The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded a contract for 3 million doses of a new kind of recombinant anthrax vaccine from Avecia, a private company based in the United Kingdom. The $71.3 million deal is to be completed by the end of 2006. Avecia was helped by Baxter Healthcare in applying for the contract, with Baxter already a vaccine supplier to the United States and well-versed in the application process. The vaccine in question is designed to provide protection against inhalation anthrax after three or fewer doses, even if administered shortly after exposure; the current vaccine requires six injections over a period of 18 months for immunity.