One of the nation’s Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing, led by the Texas A&M University System, is beginning development and manufacturing on a second-generation anthrax vaccine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is supporting this research with an 18-month, $10.49 million task order.
NasoShield, a nose spray, will require only a single dose to protect against infections caused by inhaling anthrax. The spray uses technology known as the Adenovirus 5 viral vectored delivery system that modifies a non-infectious virus to include the genetic material needed to produce an immune response against anthrax. The researchers also will focus on improving the shelf life of the anthrax vaccine.
This project is the first time the HHS’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has supported development of an anthrax vaccine using this delivery system. “Anthrax remains a material threat to our national health security,” said Dr. Richard Hatchett, acting BARDA director. “To help combat the health impacts of an anthrax attack, BARDA partnered with several biotechnology firms in accelerating development of promising next-generation treatments against anthrax infection. Engaging one of our Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing represents a unique approach to this development.”