Aktivax, Inc. has been awarded a $16 million contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

Shortly after receiving a $24.5 million project from the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a scopolamine auto-injector, Aktivax, Inc. has been awarded a $16 million contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Under this contract, Aktivax will advance a pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM) auto-injector toward U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Subsequently, in 2018, 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.

2-PAM is an antidote to poisoning by organophosphate nerve agents such as sarin, soman, and VX. These nerve agents may lead to the paralyzation of muscles needed to breath, as well as the induction of status epilepticus. Aktivax’s next generation ARAI auto-injector platform addresses the shortfalls of existing auto-injectors by improving usability, reliability, and ruggedness. ARAI will allow rapid administration of 2-PAM by minimally trained personnel under extreme duress.

Aktivax’s CEO Amir Genosar said, “It is an honor to be able to continue our relationship with BARDA and advance our 2-PAM auto-injector to help support the United States Government’s preparedness mission. We are creating a product that we hope is never used, but when it is needed, we are privileged to be able to provide peace-of-mind with a high-quality product and delivery system that will save lives.” He added “We view the DOD and BARDA awards as a vote of trust in our advanced auto-injector technology, and Aktivax’s team outstanding execution capability.” In addition to medical countermeasure products, Aktivax is pursuing several new autoinjector products, including trauma treatments for use by paramedics, that align with the company’s mission to deliver peace-of-mind to people at risk, and their communities.

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. In addition to its best in class auto-injector, Aktivax’s product portfolio includes pre-filled delivery systems that can help address the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting surge supply of treatments on a large scale.

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

Categories: Ecosystem News