Four-year contract from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services includes validation of manufacturing facilities.
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals was awarded a $102.6-million, four-year contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop the influenza neuraminidase inhibitor, peramivir, for the treatment of seasonal and life-threatening influenza, including avian flu.
Peramivir is an antiviral agent that inhibits the enzyme neuraminidase, potentially preventing the spread of the influenza virus.
This contract will support the full development of both intravenous and intramuscular formulations of peramivir. The contract also funds the validation of multiple U.S.-based manufacturing facilities.
The award made to BioCryst is part of a larger HHS initiative to pursue the development of new therapies and vaccines to expand the ability of the U.S. to respond quickly to a potential pandemic.
