 reported that Leidos Holdings (formerly SAIC) has awarded Pfenex a subcontract in support of the development of an anthrax vaccine containing its recombinant protective antigen (rPA) and immune-enhancing adjuvant.  The prime contract was awarded to Leidos by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, to improve the efficacy of both anthrax and West Nile virus vaccines by formulating them with a novel adjuvant that stimulates immune responses. Under the subcontract with Leidos, Pfenex will provide its rPA, which will be evaluated in various formulations with a selected adjuvant, to optimize the breadth and longevity of immune responses generated against anthrax. 
  
This is the third government-funded contract awarded to Pfenex for the development of an anthrax vaccine based on rPA produced in its platform technology, Pfēnex Expression Technology.

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Leidos Holdings awards Pfenex a subcontract in support of the development of an anthrax vaccine.