GAITHERSBURG, Md. | May 28, 2026
Emergent BioSolutions announced it has received a $64.5 million contract modification from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue supplying BAT® (Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent). The funding expands support under an existing 10-year government agreement and reinforces the company’s role in strengthening U.S. biodefense preparedness against potential biological threats. BAT® is approved for the treatment of symptomatic botulism caused by exposure to botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A through G in both adult and pediatric patients.
Contract Strengthens U.S. Biodefense Preparedness
The contract modification supports the continued procurement and stockpiling of BAT®, a critical medical countermeasure used during public health emergencies involving botulinum toxin exposure. Emergent stated that the award aligns with national preparedness priorities and demonstrates ongoing government investment in maintaining readiness against high-consequence biological threats.
Company executives emphasized the importance of its North American manufacturing network and specialized production capabilities in ensuring reliable delivery of life-saving therapies for military and civilian populations.
BAT® Remains Key Medical Countermeasure Against Botulism
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BAT® is a heptavalent antitoxin designed to neutralize all seven known botulinum neurotoxin serotypes. The therapy is indicated for patients with suspected or confirmed symptomatic botulism and serves as a critical treatment option in emergency response situations.
The product’s effectiveness has been established through animal efficacy studies, while clinical evaluations have demonstrated a manageable safety profile. Reported adverse events have included headache, nausea, pruritus, urticaria, fever, rash, chills, and edema, with healthcare providers advised to monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions and infusion-related events.
Emergent Expands Role in National Health Security Programs
Emergent BioSolutions continues to be a major supplier of medical countermeasures supporting government preparedness programs across the United States and allied nations. The company develops, manufactures, and distributes products targeting a range of public health and national security threats, including smallpox, mpox, botulism, Ebola, anthrax, and opioid overdose emergencies.
The latest ASPR funding award further strengthens Emergent’s position within the biodefense sector and highlights the ongoing demand for specialized therapies designed to protect populations from emerging biological and chemical threats.
Source: Emergent BioSolutions press release
