SIGA Technologies Inc. has announced that Health Canada has approved its oral, small-molecule drug TPOXX (tecovirimat) as an extraordinary use drug for patients with human smallpox disease. Though eradicated in 1980, smallpox remains a contagious and potentially deadly disease that has plagued humans for thousands of years, with recent concern over its potential for use in biologic warfare due to samples kept for research purposes. As a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the health security market, this allows SIGA Technologies to ensure supply of TPOXX to the DND and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). This market consists of countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks, along with vaccines and therapies for infectious diseases. Prior to this approval, SIGA worked with Meridian Medical Technologies Inc. through an international promotion agreement allowing them to promote the sale of oral TPOXX in global markets outside of the U.S. Working directly with the U.S. Department of Defense, Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security, and over 30 nations, Meridian is committed to develop medical countermeasures by providing emergency care treatment options to both military and civilian defenders.
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