In September 2025, the U.S. government announced a series of new and modified contracts to strengthen biodefense preparedness through procurements from Emergent BioSolutions, a Maryland-based company specializing in medical countermeasures (MCMs). The awards, made through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), reinforce the strategy of maintaining readiness against pathogens with the highest potential for catastrophic impact.
The U.S. contracts include a $30 million modification for CYFENDUS®, a two-dose anthrax vaccine approved in 2023 for post-exposure prophylaxis; a $56 million modification for ACAM2000®, the only licensed live vaccinia vaccine indicated for both smallpox and mpox; and a $17 million modification for TEMBEXA® (brincidofovir), an oral antiviral treatment for smallpox that includes an oral suspension formulation useful for pediatric and vulnerable populations. In addition to these domestic awards, Emergent secured $29 million in new product orders from an international government partner, spanning anthrax, smallpox, and botulism countermeasures.
Why These Investments Matter
Smallpox and anthrax remain top-tier threats because of their historical use as biological weapons and the scale of harm they could cause if deliberately released. Although smallpox was eradicated globally in 1980, both vaccines and antivirals are maintained to address risks of accidental release or intentional misuse. Anthrax, meanwhile, is considered a persistent danger due to the resilience of Bacillus anthracis spores and its potential for bioterror applications.
These contracts illustrate how preparedness must be proactive. Medical countermeasures are not “one-time” acquisitions; they require continuous investment to refresh stockpiles before products expire, expand capacity to serve diverse patient populations, and adapt to evolving regulatory or scientific standards. Emergent’s role as a primary supplier highlights the reliance on specialized manufacturing capabilities and longstanding partnerships between industry and government.
Policy Implications and the Road Ahead
The latest contract awards to Emergent BioSolutions underscore a central truth for policymakers: biodefense readiness is built on consistent, forward-looking investment. Stockpiles of anthrax and smallpox countermeasures are not abstract symbols of preparedness; they are operational tools that ensure continuity of government and civilian protection in the event of a biological incident. Without them, authorities at all levels would have limited means to mitigate the impact of a deliberate release or unexpected outbreak.
These procurements also serve as a reminder that preparedness funding is not a one-time expenditure. Countermeasures expire, scientific standards evolve, and new formulations are needed to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. To sustain a credible defense posture, federal leaders must prioritize stable funding for BARDA and related programs, and continue investing in next-generation technologies. Biodefense readiness, in short, is not static—it depends on deliberate, recurring commitments.