The contract has a maximum potential value of $1,511,407,737.78 if all optional activities are exercised over the duration of the contract.
Under the terms of the contract, the Government may request CSL to manufacture and store bulk antigen that can be used against influenza strains with pandemic potential and to develop working virus seeds for other manufacturers and to formulate, fill and finish bulk stored antigen.
CSL Biotherapies senior vice president Dr. John Anderson said CSL Biotherapies is committed to helping to protect the American public against the potential impact of an influenza pandemic.
"We are proud to contribute our 45 years of successful influenza vaccine manufacturing experience to the U.S. National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza," Dr. Anderson added.
Funding for the CSL contract is provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.