Battelle Awarded U.S. Department of Defense Contract to Develop an Improved Nerve Agent Countermeasure

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Battelle and subcontractor CMC Pharmaceuticals announced today their selection by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to develop an improved nerve agent countermeasure to enhance the current standard of care for the warfighter and increase survivability. The contract, awarded through the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense’s (JPEO-CBRND) Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Medical (JPM CBRN Medical), funds the development of the medical countermeasure through FDA approval and is valued at over $53 million over 6.5 years.

“Battelle has a long history of working with the DOD on protecting military troops from chemical threats,” said Drew Cawthon (Business Line Director). “We’re proud to continue this important work and to develop next-generation solutions with a strong partner like CMC Pharmaceuticals.”

Teaming with Battelle as a subcontractor on the program is CMC Pharmaceuticals, an Ohio-based company that will provide the laboratory development, current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) testing, and Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) oversight required for all product development activities through U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

“Our expertise and vast breadth of knowledge in drug product development and manufacturing is a crucial component of this important program,” said Mike Radomsky, President of CMC Pharmaceuticals. “We are excited to begin work with Battelle and the DOD on this program and are honored that our team will help deliver an improved therapeutic to our troops against the threat of nerve agents.”

The program aims to develop the Reactivating Nerve Agent Treatment System (RNATS), an improved reactivator in a vial, intended for use by the U.S. military and allies to counteract chemical threats, specifically nerve agents. Reactivator compounds counteract the effects of nerve agents by ‘reactivating’ the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme.

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

About CMC Pharmaceuticals

CMC Pharmaceuticals is a leading provider of drug product development services and manufacturing support to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Located in Solon, Ohio, CMC Pharmaceuticals delivers specialized scientific expertise and services including pre-formulation, formulation development, analytical development, cGMP lab services, stability and compatibility studies, manufacturing process development, CMO oversight, and consulting services to clients globally. Decades of specialized scientific experience in the development and manufacture of a wide range of drug product types including sterile injectables, solid oral, long-acting, controlled release, and other complex dosage forms. CMC Pharma has successfully managed a wide variety of pharmaceutical development programs, including multi-year programs with the federal government. For more information, visit www.cmcpharm.com.