Products
In addition to our commercial products, Cangene has developed and supplied three biodefense-related hyperimmune products* to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile including, Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous™ (Human) (VIG), Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent (BAT), and Anthrax Immune Globulin (AIG).
Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous™ (Human)
Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous™ (Human) is our first biodefense product to be licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada. VIG contains antibodies specific for the Vaccinia virus (the virus used to make smallpox vaccine).
VIG has been administered to patients in the U.S. under emergency conditions.
Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent
Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent is an investigational product containing antibodies specific for the seven botulinum toxin types: A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Botulinum toxins are the bacterial toxins that cause botulism. These toxins can occur naturally in improperly processed foods and have also been identified as a Category A bioterrorism threat.
While still an investigational product, Cangene’s BAT is the only botulinum antitoxin available in the U.S. for treating naturally-occurring, non-infant botulism and is administered to patients under emergency conditions.
Anthrax Immune Globulin
Anthrax Immune Globulin is an investigational product derived from plasma donated by individuals immunized with the Anthrax vaccine. AIG contains antibodies specific for
Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax.
Anthrax is a naturally occurring bacterial infection in certain animal populations. Bacillus anthracis spores are long-lived and can remain present in soil for many decades. Humans can become infected following exposure to anthrax spores. Anthrax has also been identified as a Category A bioterrorism threat.
While still an investigational product, Cangene’s AIG has been administered to patients in the U.S. and the U.K. under emergency conditions.
* Cangene developed these products under contract to the U.S. government and has supplied the products to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile. Supplies of VIG and BAT have also been purchased by other governments.