Emergent BioSolutions prepares to more than double BioThrax production with $75M Building 55

The use of the 50,000 square foot Emergent BioSolutions facility known as Building 55 to considerably ramp up the production of BioThrax has been in the works for some time. Work on the $75 million facility was completed in 2008, and in July of 2010, the company entered into a $107 million agreement with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to finalize development of and obtain regulatory approval for large-scale manufacturing there. They anticipate filing the supplemental Biologics License Application in 2015, and FDA approval to follow.

 

Though the progress may seem slow going, the result of all the work will be significant: a jump from producing seven to nine million doses of BioThrax per year to 20 to 25 million doses. 

 

"The ability to produce more doses will also provide Emergent the capability to expand our market as well," Adam Havey, Executive Vice President and President, Biodefense Division.
 

Emergent BioSolutions is growing in many other ways in the meantime. The company recently completed an acquisition of Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion, expanding their Biodefense Division. They recently inaugurated their new Building 63 and celebrated their 15th anniversary. 

 

"We are proud of what we have accomplished in terms of growth and innovation and are excited about our further expansion both here in Lansing and in our other locations," says Havey.