Aktivax, Inc. has been awarded a $24.5 million US government project to develop an autoinjector treatment for exposure to nerve agents. The award is an Other Transaction (OT) prototype project by the Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEOCBRND).

Under the 5-year, OT agreement, Aktivax will develop a scopolamine hydrobromide autoinjector through U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The project will deliver a new treatment for poisoning by organophosphate nerve agents such as sarin, soman, and VX, in support of the JPEO-CBRND’s Improved Nerve Agent Treatment System (INATS) effort.

Administration of emergency nerve agent treatments by autoinjector is the preferred and most reliable method in the field, as it can be performed within seconds and does not require specialized medical training. Aktivax’s ARAI autoinjector platform was developed under several DOD contracts, to address the shortfalls of existing autoinjectors in the areas of usability, reliability, ruggedness, and drug stability. Subsequently, in 2018, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded Aktivax a $15.5 million contract to develop a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing line for the ARAI autoinjector platform, which was completed in December 2019.

ARAI utilizes a glass-free primary drug container, which addresses and corrects the shortfalls found in other autoinjectors. It is the only autoinjector that can be armed and activated in a single step with one hand, providing easy and intuitive use while minimizing room for usability errors. Configurations currently supported by the platform include a dual injection device and an automatic reconstitution device, where the drug is stored in dry form and combined with liquid diluent just prior to injection.

“We are honored to be awarded this important project and to receive another opportunity to support the government’s efforts to protect our country and our troops” said Amir Genosar, the company’s founder and CEO. “With this collaborative undertaking, we will continue our growth and reputation as a reliable, sustainable, and enduring partner.”

Aktivax is a specialty pharmaceutical company, developing drug products in a range of glassfree proprietary pre-filled delivery systems, emphasizing usability, user safety, and drug stability. Aktivax is currently pursuing several new autoinjector products, including trauma treatments that align with the company’s mission to deliver peace-of-mind to people at risk, and their communities.

Aktivax made over 40 new hires in 2018-2019, and is continuing to grow to support development and commercialization of its expanding pipeline. The company culture is based on a strong commitment to its mission, a safe and challenging environment, and an emphasis on a balanced life and bringing one’s whole self to work.

For more information about Aktivax, please contact info@aktivax.com