The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Paratek Pharmaceuticals a potential a five-year, $169M contract to further develop an antibiotic drug as a potential treatment for inhalation anthrax.
HHS said Wednesday its Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will provide technical services and funds to help Paratek carry out research and manuacturing efforts for the Nuzyra drug, generically known as omadacycline.
The contract marks the department’s first award under Project BioShield, which incentivizes pharmaceutical companies to produce medical products meant to help the government counter biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear threats.
The Food and Drug Administration approved oral and intravenous forms of Nuzyra for adults who suffer from community-acquired pneumonia and acute skin infection.
Boston-based Paratek aims to secure emergency use authorization for antibiotic treatment of anthrax lung infections. BARDA will buy an initial supply if the company obtains FDA approval for expanded use of the drug.
