Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has received a significant order from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the purchase of syringes and needles, sharps collectors and alcohol swabs to be used in national flu pandemic preparedness efforts.

Under the terms of the agreement, BARDA is authorized to purchase approximately $52 million of products from BD through March 2010.

"BD is pleased to be able to supply the US government with syringes and other medical products for the federal vaccination campaign to protect the American people against the novel H1N1 influenza virus," said Edward J Ludwig, chairman and chief executive officer of BD. "Due to our advance planning, we will be able to meet this large federal demand while at the same time ensuring that we are able to supply our existing customers with the regular supply for seasonal flu vaccination campaigns."

BD continues to communicate with governments, vaccine companies and others worldwide to understand and plan to meet their needs to provide essential medical supplies during the flu season.

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents.