Just-Evotec Biologics Secures $10M BARDA Contract to Optimize Filovirus Antibody Manufacturing
Key Insights
Just-Evotec Biologics (search) has been selected by BARDA (search)'s BioMaP-Consortium (search) to advance manufacturing optimization for monoclonal antibody cocktails targeting Ebola and Sudan viruses through a multi-year program valued at up to $10 million.
The project will focus on developing high-yield, scalable manufacturing processes for two antibodies originally identified in survivors of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which may have provided protective immune responses.
While two FDA-approved therapeutics currently exist for Ebola Virus (search) Disease, no approved treatments are available for Sudan virus (search) infections, highlighting a critical unmet medical need.
Just-Evotec Biologics (search), the Seattle-based subsidiary of Evotec SE, has been selected by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA (search)) to optimize manufacturing processes for monoclonal antibodies targeting filovirus diseases (search). The multi-year program, valued at up to $10 million if all options are activated, aims to strengthen U.S. government response capabilities against hemorrhagic fever (search) outbreaks caused by Ebola virus (search) (EBOV) and Sudan virus (search) (SUDV).
Strategic Partnership for National Preparedness
The agreement, announced on March 23, 2026, represents a significant collaboration between Just-Evotec Biologics (search) and BARDA (search)'s Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium (BioMaP-Consortium (search)). The program leverages Just-Evotec Biologics' advanced biomanufacturing platform to deliver high-quality, scalable, cost-efficient production through significantly higher yields.
"In outbreak scenarios, speed, scalability and manufacturing robustness are critical," commented Linda Zuckerman, PhD, EVP Global Head of Biotherapeutics at Just-Evotec Biologics (search). "Our technology-driven approach is designed to deliver resilient, industry-leading high-yield production processes that can support rapid deployment in public health emergencies."
Addressing Critical Treatment Gaps
The project addresses a significant unmet medical need in filovirus treatment. While two FDA-approved therapeutics are currently available for Ebola Virus (search) Disease, no approved treatments exist for infections caused by Sudan virus (search). This gap in therapeutic options underscores the importance of developing robust manufacturing capabilities for potential countermeasures.
Scientific Foundation and Technical Approach
Under the agreement, Just-Evotec Biologics (search) will utilize its validated technology platforms to perform molecular optimization, cell line development, and manufacturing process development for two specific antibodies. These antibodies hold particular scientific significance as they were originally identified in survivors of the 2014 Ebola outbreak and represent aspects of an immune response that may have protected infected individuals.
The company will apply its platform technologies to convert these discoveries into high-yield, scalable and cost-efficient manufacturing processes capable of supporting future therapeutic development and emergency deployment. The agreement includes a base period and two option periods, providing flexibility for program expansion based on development milestones.
Advanced Biomanufacturing Capabilities
Just-Evotec Biologics (search) operates as a first-to-industry biologics platform company that leverages AI/ML technologies and world-leading molecular design, cell line development, process intensification and continuous manufacturing strategies. The company's approach combines deep industry experience in data, protein, process, and manufacturing sciences with highly integrated and flexible capabilities designed to overcome scientific and economic barriers in protein therapeutic development.
The project has been funded with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority under contract number #75A50123D00003.