(Released 3 August 2015) Gaithersburg, MD - Emergent BioSolutions Inc.(NYSE:EBS) today announced that it is launching a ruggedized, military-grade auto-injector device, known as Emergard™, which is designed for intramuscular self-injection of antidotes and other emergency response medical treatments that can address exposure to certain chemical agents and other similar emerging threats. Emergard is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not currently marketed in the U.S., although the company intends to pursue FDA approval of the device. The company has received preliminary interest for Emergard from countries outside the U.S. and anticipates making its first deliveries in limited quantities in Q4 2015.
Adam Havey , executive vice president and president, biodefense division of Emergent BioSolutions, stated, "Emergent is excited to add the Emergard auto-injector platform to our portfolio, which allows us to supply critical medical countermeasures to militaries and countries across the globe. Based on internal market research, we estimate the annual worldwide market for military-grade auto-injectors to be between $100-$200 million with one major pharmaceutical company and multiple regional players in the space. We intend to build upon our broad capabilities in government contracting and commercial distribution of medical countermeasures and seize this global market opportunity to drive revenue growth."
Emergent acquired rights to the device, formerly known as PC-2M, through an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Pharma Consult Ges.m.b.H of Austria, which has been selling the auto-injector in limited quantities to select allied nations. The company has also executed a global manufacturing and supply agreement for Emergard with Nemera Development S.A. Emergent plans to supply cGMP-compliant product through current global sales channels for its other biodefense products.
Emergard is designed to be transported, stored, and operated in a military environment and to ensure needle penetration and successful injection through chemical protective gear.
About Emergent BioSolutions Emergent BioSolutions is a global specialty biopharmaceutical company dedicated to one simple mission—to protect and enhance life. We develop, manufacture, and deliver a portfolio of medical countermeasures for biological and chemical threats as well as emerging infectious diseases. We also develop and commercialize therapeutics and other specialty products for hospitals and clinics in the areas of hematology/oncology, transplantation, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Through our work, we envision protecting and enhancing 50 million lives with our products by 2025. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com. Follow us @emergentbiosolu.