Cangene has been awarded a contract by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a clinical-grade hyperimmune globulin to be used as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy in critically ill patients with anthrax. Under this initial program, the hyperimmune globulin will be used for preclinical studies, and human compassionate use and safety testing. This innovative hyperimmune globulin will initially be used under an Investigational New Drug application. The goal of the program is to have available an FDA-licensable product.

"This is a significant development contract for us and demonstrates our expertise in developing hyperimmune globulins to treat infectious diseases; Cangene''s resources, both human and technical, have made the company a leader in this field," said Dr. John Langstaff, Cangene''s president and CEO.

Hyperimmune globulins are highly purified specialty antibodies made from human plasma.