Paragon Bioservices Awarded Multi-Million Dollar DoD Contract for Filovirus Vaccine Development and Manufacturing

BALTIMORE, Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Paragon Bioservices, Inc., a Baltimore-based CMO focused on the process development and manufacturing of biologics, announced today that it has been awarded a JVAP-CBMS contract from the Department of Defense (DoD) for the vaccine development and subsequent GMP manufacturing of the "VEE Replicon Particle Trivalent Filovirus Vaccine."

The initial phase of the contract is valued at ~$15 million—with future optional CLINs that, if exercised, would more than double that amount.

According to Marco Chacon, PhD, CEO of Paragon, "My colleagues and I are honored to be selected for this contract—one that includes the application of great science and bioprocess toward better public health and National Preparedness.  It doesn't get any better than this for a CMO."  Paragon's extensive expertise in virus and vaccine (VLP) production and purification will be enhanced through a collaboration with world-recognized virologists and vaccine experts from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD) and Harrisvaccines (Ames, IA).

There are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments against filoviruses, even though there is up to a 90% fatality rate in humans, which makes them a potential agent of bioterrorism.  Paragon will develop a large-scale mammalian process that is suitable for cGMP manufacturing.  This contract is being performed in parallel to a contract that the US Army awarded Paragon in October 2010, which involves process development and scale-up production to support the efficacy and potency of filovirus vaccine candidates against deadly Ebola and Marburg viruses.

About Paragon Bioservices

Paragon Bioservices is a contract research and GMP manufacturing organization with a focus on the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals—either for research purposes or for clinical trials.  Working as an outsourcing partner/CMO, Paragon expands the capabilities of pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and government agencies involved in the development of Vaccines, VLPs, Therapeutic Proteins, Monoclonal Antibodies and Stem Cells. For more information about Paragon Bioservices, please visit www.paragonbioservices.com.

About JVAP, CBMS and the Department of Defense (DoD)

Chemical Biological Medical Systems (CBMS) is responsible for the research, development and acquisition of FDA-approved medical systems for the protection, treatment and diagnostic capabilities against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.  Together with the Joint Vaccines Acquisition Program (JVAP), they develop, produce and stockpile FDA-licensed vaccines to protect the warfighter against biological agents.  They also work with the US Army's Contracting Command to consolidate these efforts for the Department of Defense (DoD).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Claire Sojda
[email protected]
(212) 827-0020

SOURCE Paragon Bioservices, Inc.