BD (NYSE:BDX) announced today that it increased its manufacturing capacity and domestic supply for syringes and needles.
Franklin Lakes, N.J.-based BD’s new syringe and needle manufacturing lines, which were completed on an accelerated timeline, represent BD’s partnership with Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
In July 2020, ASPR’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) provided $42 million as part of a $70 million project to expand the operations and manufacturing lines at BD’s Holdrege, Nebraska facility.
According to a news release, the new lines mark a manufacturing milestone as the U.S. enters flu vaccination season amid domestic efforts to vaccinate against COVID-19, too. To date, BD has provided several hundred million injection devices to the federal campaign, the company said.
BD previously announced plans to invest $1.2 billion over four years to enhance its manufacturing capacity and technology for pre-fillable syringes and advanced drug delivery systems in addition to its latest ramp-up.
“As the fight against COVID-19 continues, we are steadfast in our commitment to securing the nation’s supply continuity of these critical injection devices,” BD president of medication delivery systems Rick Byrd said in the release. “Our teams are working tirelessly – as they have been since the beginning of the pandemic – to ensure that all of our customers, including the U.S. government, have the supplies they need to vaccinate against this virus while simultaneously managing routine, preventative health care needs, such as the seasonal flu.”
HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response Dawn O’Connell noted that BD’s domestic production provides a massive boost in the vaccination efforts with lives at stake and immediate need making it difficult to wait for supplies to be shipped from other countries.
“Domestic manufacturing has proven critical to responding rapidly and effectively to this pandemic,” added HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response Dawn O’Connell. “Taking action now to increase U.S.-based manufacturing capacity will allow us to meet the needs of patients and health care providers while also creating valuable U.S. jobs.”
