Emergent BioSolutions secures $54M smallpox treatment contract amid biodefense push

Emergent BioSolutions has won a new contract worth around $54 million for its smallpox treatment, CNJ-016. The deal comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain biodefence preparedness, despite smallpox being eradicated globally since 1980.

The company has also secured additional orders and agreements, reinforcing its role in public health security. The latest contract, awarded by the US Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), focuses on stockpiling CNJ-016. This antiviral is designed to treat smallpox, though no cases have been recorded in over four decades. The $54 million award highlights continued investment in smallpox countermeasures, even as global attention shifts to other threats like mpox, which the WHO declared a public health emergency in August 2024.

Separately, Emergent finalised a multi-year agreement with the Canadian government, valued at up to C$140 million. This deal supports broader biologic threat preparedness, including infrastructure for rapid response. The company has also received new orders worth $6.6 million for ACAM2000, its smallpox vaccine, from an unnamed international government partner.

Despite the lack of recent demand for smallpox vaccines worldwide, these contracts form part of Emergent's long-standing portfolio in biodefence. No other countries or organisations have shown significant activity in smallpox preparedness over the past five years, with resources instead directed toward influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and travel-related vaccines. The contracts ensure that smallpox countermeasures remain available, even without active outbreaks. Emergent's deals with the US and Canada, along with smaller international orders, maintain stockpiles for potential future threats. The company continues to play a key role in global biodefence strategies.