$680M Contract for Tembexa Smallpox Treatment

Doctors in the United States have started administering Tpoxx, a smallpox medication, to patients in the monkeypox epidemic. However, an antiviral alternative has been developed for potential use and was authorized by the FDA in 2021.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has authorised Chimerix to deliver 1.7 million courses of Tembexa, a smallpox medication, and to carry out “post-marketing activities” under a 10-year, $680 million contract.

The endorsement of Tembexa achieves The United States Department of Health and Human Services’ objective of having two licenced smallpox antivirals to prevent reliance on one product.

A $115 million first purchase of almost 320 thousand rounds of treatment has been established for BARDA deal. However, if BARDA decides to purchase 1.7 million courses of both Tembexa tablets and suspension formulations, an extra $551 million might be at stake.

Additionally, to satisfy FDA obligations set out at the time of authorisation, the deal contains $13 million in “post- marketing activities” financing.

Smallpox and monkeypox viruses have vast similarities- with The Jynneos vaccine from Bavarian Nordic presently permitted to treat both in the United States. Following initial case announcements, Siga’s Tpoxx has been used to manage monkeypox patients.

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