Book Description

The anthrax attacks in Sept. & Oct. 2001 highlighted the need to develop medical countermeasures. The Project BioShield Act of 2004 authorized the Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) to procure countermeasures for a Strategic Nat. Stockpile. However, in Dec. 2006, HHS terminated the contract for a recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine because VaxGen failed to meet a critical contractual milestone. Also, supplies of the licensed BioThrax anthrax vaccine already in the stockpile will start expiring in 2008. This report identifies: (1) factors contributing to the failure of the rPA vaccine contract; & (2) issues associated with using the BioThrax in the stockpile. Includes recommendations. Charts & tables.