Emergent BioSolutions highlights biological threat risks amid AI advances

Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) issued a statement Aug. 5, 2026, calling for cross-sector collaboration on biological threat preparedness, citing concerns about advances in artificial intelligence and synthetic biology.

The company referenced a letter signed in June 2026 by AI executives and cross-industry leaders urging Congress to require safety screening and recordkeeping for synthetic DNA and RNA orders. The letter stated that "AI systems are improving rapidly, and alongside incredible benefits to science and medicine, there is a real possibility that the knowledge barriers which have historically prevented bad actors from obtaining biological weapons will meaningfully erode."

Emergent also cited remarks by Sandra Gallina, Director-General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission, who raised concerns at a German Medical Association event about the potential use of drones to disseminate biological weapons, including anthrax.

The press release noted that Ukraine has alleged Russian forces deposited anthrax-infected livestock carcasses near water resources, and that a separate cattle anthrax outbreak in Wyoming led to multiple human exposures requiring post-exposure prophylaxis.

A study published in NEJM Evidence by Tillman et al. examined the use of Emergent's CYFENDUS vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis following the Wyoming anthrax exposures. CYFENDUS is approved for post-exposure prophylaxis of anthrax disease in persons aged 18 through 65 when given alongside antibacterial drugs.

Joe Papa, president and CEO of Emergent, stated that "collaboration across government, industry, academia, and the broader scientific community is essential" as biological threat risks evolve.

Emergent develops and manufactures medical countermeasures for governments targeting threats including anthrax, smallpox, mpox, and botulism.

You May Also Be Interested In

• JPMorgan Reiterates Overweight Rating on Legrand SA (LR:FP) (LGRDY) and Places on Positive Catalyst Watch
• UBS Starts Internet Initiative Japan Inc (3774:JP) (IIJIY) at Neutral
• JPMorgan Starts Bytes Technology Group PLC (BYIT:LN) at Underweight