Today, Human Genome Sciences announced that it has begun delivering 20,000 doses of its human monoclonal antibody drug ABthrax(TM) (raxibacumab) to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile. ABthrax, a first-in-class treatment for anthrax, is recognized as the first procurement under Project BioShield of a product discovered and developed after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“We believe ABthrax offers a significant step forward in the treatment of inhalation anthrax and could play an important role in strengthening America’s arsenal against bioterrorism. From a business perspective, this announcement is strategically important for HGS, because it marks our Company’s first product sales,” said H. Thomas Watkins, President and CEO.

He continued, “We expect to receive $150 million in revenue soon after completion of our delivery to the Strategic National Stockpile. We are pleased with the progress of our partnership with the U.S. Government, which has resulted in this important milestone, and we are hopeful that fulfillment of this initial order will result in a long-term relationship involving additional deliveries of ABthrax to the Stockpile.”

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