Emergent Looks to Chimerix for New Start Following Vaccine Contamination Scandal

Emergent Biosolutions is purchasing exclusive rights to Chimerix’s antiviral drug Tembexa (brincidofovir) for $225 million up-front plus up to $100 million in potential milestone payments.

Chimerix is currently in negotiations with the U.S. government over a procurement contract for Tembexa, which gained the FDA’s approval in June 2021 in tablet and oral suspension formulations for treatment of smallpox.

Emergent said the licensing deal is a part of its growth plan through 2024, as the company seeks to recover from numerous setbacks for its COVID-19 vaccine production for Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca.