Nanotherapeutics Bags NIAID Contract

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a $30.9m, five-year contract to Nanotherapeutics. The deal is intended to develop an inhaled version of the injectable antiviral drug, cidofovir.

Cidofovir, for non-invasive, post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of the Category A bioterrorism agent smallpox (Variola major).

The company said that the development of inhaled cidofovir would also provide an alternative for those who have contraindications to the currently approved smallpox vaccination, such as severe exfoliative skin diseases, immunosuppression from many sources, and pregnancy.

Cidofovir would be provided under an agreement with Gilead Sciences. The project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the NIAID.