The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) exercised an option on Wednesday for the supply of 171,000 doses of Bavarian Nordic’s Imvamune smallpox vaccine to the national stockpile at a total value of up to $7.7 million.
Imvamune is a non-replicating smallpox vaccine that is being stockpiled for use in the general population, as well as individuals who cannot use traditional smallpox vaccines, such as HIV-infected patients.
The option is in addition to an initial order of 189,000 doses, totaling 360,000 doses from PHAC to date. Deliveries of the original order will take place throughout the year, while the new order will be delivered throughout 2017 and 2018.
Bavarian Nordic’s contract with the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND) stipulates that additional options for Imvamune remain exercisable.
“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the Canadian government in their efforts to secure protection for its citizens,” Paul Chaplin, president and CEO of Bavarian Nordic, said. “This collaboration dates back to 2008 when we started deliveries to the Canadian Department of National Defense, and was since broadened to include the Public Health Agency of Canada, who also recognized the need for establishing a smallpox vaccine stockpile for the general population. We look forward to continuing and expanding our partnership engagement on various bio preparedness matters, including smallpox.” 3