Better Anthrax Vaccine on the Horizon

Studies to date suggest that 2 doses of this new vaccine are enough to protect against anthrax compared with 3 doses of BioThrax, which is stored in the CDC's Strategic National Stockpile.

Federal Practitioner. 2015 May;32(5):e12

May 15, 2015|Federal Practitioner

A new anthrax vaccine is under development that could more quickly provide protection, require fewer doses, and be more cost-effective than the current vaccine, according to the HHS.

Related: The Immunization Community

The new vaccine, NuThrax, is a modified formulation of BioThrax, which is stored in the CDC’s Strategic National Stockpile. Studies to date suggest that 2 doses of NuThrax are enough to protect against anthrax compared with 3 doses of BioThrax.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and the DoD sponsored early development of NuThrax, which included both nonclinical studies and phase 1 and 2 clinical studies. Next steps include phase 3 studies with larger groups. Emergent BioSolutions of Gaithersburg, Maryland, which makes BioThrax, will also be responsible for developing NuThrax.

“Anthrax remains a national health security threat. If it works, this vaccine may help achieve better preparedness at a lower cost,” said Robin Robinson, PhD, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at HHS, which will provide funding and technical assistance.