Cipla Therapeutics, SIGA Technologies partner to fight biothreats

Cipla Therapeutics, and SIGA Technologies, Inc, announced Tuesday that they would be entering into a strategic partnership to deliver innovation and access to novel antibacterial drugs, particularly to fight biothreats.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. It puts at risk the effective prevention and treatment of a variety of infections. AMR is the ability of a microorganism to stop an antimicrobial from working against it. AMR is present in every country across the globe and can death through infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

“The strategic collaboration between Cipla and SIGA will provide the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) department, with solutions for its biothreat and public health needs,” said Garrett Ingram, CEO of Cipla Therapeutics and added, “AMR is a global priority for Cipla, and our continued investment in this area along with SIGA’s drug development and US experience creates a unique and strong partnership.”

Cipla is a global leader in antibiotics and owns the novel antibiotic ZEMDRI injection in the United States. Its global footprint provides it with experience in stewardship and supply. SIGA has secured and managed multiple U.S. government contracts over the past decade that provide development and procurement of up to approximately $1 billion for the supply and re-supply of TPOXX in the Strategic National Stockpile.

Together, the two companies will provide U.S. government agencies, such as BARDA, to advance preparation and health security program initiatives with ZEMDRI while working with a known partner in SIGA.

“We are thrilled to have teamed up with Cipla to tackle the very important public health challenge of AMR,” said Phil Gomez, CEO of SIGA. “Our longtime partner BARDA has recognized this as a critical issue, for not only public health but biothreats as well. With our drug development expertise under the animal rule and government contracting expertise, and Cipla’s novel antibiotic products and extensive manufacturing capabilities, we are confident that together we are ideally suited to provide innovative solutions to BARDA and other government customers.”