A dry formulation for an anthrax vaccine is to be developed by a Maryland-based bio-pharmaceutical company under a U.S. government contract.

A dry formulation of Emergent BioSolutions Inc.'s NuThrax vaccine will increase its stability in ambient light and higher temperatures and eliminate the need for cold chain during shipping and storage.

The five-year contract, worth as much as $29 million, was issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.

"Emergent is pleased with NIAID's continued support of the development of NuThrax, which we anticipate will demonstrate an enhanced product profile that includes requiring fewer doses, eliciting a higher immune response, and dispensing the need for cold chain due to a dry formulation," said Adam Havey, executive vice president and president bio-defense division of Emergent BioSolutions. "We are committed to responding to the U.S. government's needs to combat the ongoing threat of bioterrorism."

Emergent said its work under the award includes manufacturing and non-clinical activities through the preparation of an investigational new drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

NuThrax is comprised of BioThrax (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) in combination with the immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotide compound CPG 7909.

The company is currently conducting a randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, double-blind study of the drug for post-exposure prophylaxis.