SIGA Smallpox Drug TPOXX: SIGA Technologies has received a new contract worth up to $15 million from the Canadian government to supply TPOXX, an antiviral drug used to treat smallpox. The deal will help Canada keep the medicine available for its armed forces in case of a possible smallpox outbreak.
The contract was announced on October 28, 2026. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) awarded it to SIGA on behalf of the Canadian Department of National Defence (CDND) under its Strategic Medical Countermeasures Program. The agreement will continue until March 31, 2031.
Canada Agrees to Buy Up to $15 Million Worth of TPOXX
Under the new agreement, about $9 million worth of purchases is already committed for the first three years. Another $6 million depends on whether the Canadian Department of National Defence chooses to use the additional purchase options.
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This is the second time Canada has awarded SIGA a contract to buy oral TPOXX for its military. The previous agreement was signed in April 2020 and covered purchases worth up to approximately $14 million. The final delivery under that contract was completed in 2025.
The new deal will help Canada maintain access to an approved medicine that can be used to treat smallpox. Keeping such medicines available is an important part of preparing the armed forces for health emergencies.
SIGA CEO Talks About Canada’s Smallpox Preparedness
SIGA CEO Diem Nguyen said the contract reflects Canada’s continued efforts to prepare its military for a possible outbreak. She also highlighted the role armed forces members may play during public health emergencies.
“Canada has been a consistent leader in smallpox preparedness, and this award reflects its sustained commitment to ensuring its military is ready to respond to a potential outbreak,” said Diem Nguyen, Chief Executive Officer. “Canadian Armed Forces members are often among the first called upon in a public health emergency, and ready access to an approved smallpox antiviral helps ensure they can safely and effectively carry out that mission. We are proud to continue supporting Canada and look forward to further strengthening our relationships with other governments around the world as we do our part to help protect populations from smallpox.”
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Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy also identifies medical countermeasures as an important area for protecting military personnel.
TPOXX Received Health Canada Approval in 2021
TPOXX contains tecovirimat, an antiviral medicine developed to treat smallpox. Health Canada approved the oral medicine for smallpox treatment in November 2021. It was the first treatment approved in Canada for the disease, according to Health Canada’s 2021-22 departmental report.
SIGA Technologies is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing medicines for infectious diseases, especially smallpox. It works with governments and public health agencies to supply medicines for serious health threats.
