Jay Clemens
Pfenex Inc. and the Department of Health and Human Services have begun  clinical research for a new anthrax vaccine under a 30-month, $15.9 million contract.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will lead the project to develop the experimental vaccines Px563L and RPA563, which target the anthrax cell-binding protein, HHS said Monday.
“It is paramount to national health security that we have a vaccine licensed to safeguard health against anthrax after exposure and that we provide protection as quickly as possible to save lives,†said Robin Robinson, director of BARDA.
Under the contract, BARDA will test the vaccines on human volunteers to evaluate their safety after the vaccines passed effectivity tests in nonclinical studies.
Pfenex will also compare the safety and efficacy of Px563L and RPA563, according to HHS.
The company will also study how the vaccines stimulate the human immune system and determine the dosage needed for the immune response under a potential five-year contract extension.
