HHS orders 20 million doses of smallpox vaccine from Bavarian Nordic

Bavarian Nordic has announced that it has received the requirements from the U.S. government's Department of Health and Services (HHS), for the purchase of 20 million doses of an MVA-based smallpox vaccine.

The tender terms include delivery of smallpox vaccines at a fixed-dose price as well as deliveries based on a cost-plus principle. The contract will be awarded to one or more companies. Proposals must be submitted to HHS by the 29 September 2005 and award(s) are expected to be announced on February 2006.

In connection with the announcement of the tender, Peter Wulff, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic said, "The tender materials outline that the 20 million doses to be purchased will be followed by more orders. With this tender, the US Government has committed itself to protect the 25% of the population who cannot safely be given the current smallpox vaccines. The world market for a safe smallpox vaccine has now been opened, since governmental authorities in the larger European countries will naturally undertake a similar commitment as the American authorities."

http://www.bavarian-nordic.com/