Hemispherx to spend $4.4M on expansion

Drug developer Hemispherx Biopharma Inc. said it will be spending as much as $4.4 million to beef up its manufacturing site in New Brunswick.

The primary goal of the project is to allow for increased production at the plant, which has more than 43,000 square feet, said William A. Carter, chairman and chief executive of the Philadelphia-based company.

He added that the capital improvements could lead to a 25 percent increase in space, although retrofitting of other space there could increase space by 50 percent or more.

The improvements will enhance the production of three products:

Alferon N(R), licensed to be used to treat a category of sexually transmitted diseases.

Ampligen, for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. The company has applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval, and also is testing its use as an influenza vaccine enhancer.

Alferon LDO, which Carter said was a top priority because of potential use during an influenza pandemic. He said that the company had applied for an amendment to an existing license.    - Roslyn Rudolph