Singapore: CSL Biotherapies, a subsidiary of CSL Limited, has been awarded a contract by the US Department of Health and Human Services to supply pre-pandemic and pandemic vaccine antigens and related services to the US national stockpile.

According to the terms of the contract, the US government may request CSL Biotherapies to manufacture and store bulk antigen that can be used against influenza strains with pandemic potential. The company may also be called upon to develop working virus 'seeds' for other manufacturers and to formulate, fill and finish bulk stored antigen.

"We are very pleased to again be working with the US government on its pandemic preparedness efforts," said Dr John Anderson, senior vice president, CSL Biotherapies. "CSL Biotherapies is committed to helping to protect the American public against the potential impact of an influenza pandemic. We are proud to contribute our 45 years of successful influenza vaccine manufacturing experience to the US National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza."

Funding for the CSL Biotherapies contract is provided solely by the US Department of Health and Human Services, office of the assistant secretary for preparedness and response, biomedical advanced research and development authority. The contract has a maximum potential value of $1.5 billion if all optional activities are exercised over the duration of the contract.