SIGA Technologies, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that focuses on keeping people safe from dangerous threats like chemical attacks, biological diseases, and nuclear emergencies. They're based in New York City and have research facilities in Corvallis, Oregon, where they work on developing new solutions.
One of their most important products is called TPOXX® (tecovirimat). It's a medicine that comes in two forms: pills you can swallow and a liquid that goes into your veins. TPOXX® has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat smallpox, a very serious illness. It's also been approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) to treat other similar diseases like monkeypox and cowpox.
SIGA has been working closely with the U.S. government to make sure their products are effective and available when needed. They've been awarded contracts worth over $1 billion to help maintain a stockpile of TPOXX® for smallpox treatment. This partnership with the government has allowed SIGA to build strong relationships with important health organizations, like the National Institutes of Health and defense agencies. These relationships have helped them develop TPOXX® and improve the country's ability to respond to smallpox threats.
SIGA has a proven track record in developing drugs. They have a network of more than 20 partners who help them with different stages of drug development, from testing in labs to making sure the medicine is safe and effective. They've successfully delivered TPOXX® to the Strategic National Stockpile, which is a collection of medicines and supplies to be used in emergencies. This is a big achievement because TPOXX® is the first drug ever approved to treat a disease that doesn't exist anymore in the general population.
TPOXX® works by stopping the smallpox virus from spreading in the body. It comes in both pill and liquid forms, so doctors can choose the best option for each patient. The most common side effects are headaches and feeling sick to your stomach.
SIGA's work is crucial in protecting people from smallpox and other dangerous diseases. Their partnership with the government and the approval of TPOXX® by regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada, and Europe show how important their work is in keeping us safe.
SIGA Technologies is leading the way in finding innovative solutions to protect our health. With their groundbreaking product, TPOXX®, and their strong partnerships with government agencies, SIGA is making a real difference in safeguarding our communities from potential threats.
