The Franhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology, a Newark-based research company, is currently working on new technology to combat biochemical threats like anthrax.
The U.S. government granted approximately $3.5 million to the Franhofer company.
Although it has been some time since the last public anthrax scare, bioterrorism is still considered to be a national threat.
Vidadi Yusibov, executive director and spokesman for the company, said the country needs to be prepared since the government stresses biochemical-terrorism threats.
"Throughout the years we've learned that we better be prepared," Yusibov said. "Consequences could be so dire that it will be worthwhile. If it ever does happen, we must be prepared."
Franhofer's vaccine research is based on new technology called Transient Gene Expression. This type of plant-based research allows people to become immunized by eating the vaccine-producing plants, according to the Franhofer Web site. Though it is still a new development, the first Food and Drug Administration-approved human experiments have been a success.
"It is widely assumed that we cannot realistically hope to vaccinate the U.S. civilian population against all possible bioterrorism agents," as stated on the Franhofer Web site. "These assumptions are out of date."
Biology professor David Smith, who is a biological welfare expert, said an anthrax vaccine would be easy to make, but the side effects are still unknown and are an issue as with any type of medication.
"An anthrax vaccine is very feasible because the principle of it is much understood," Smith said.
Rep. Michael N. Castle, R-Del., is among many politicians who support the legislation.
Kaitlin Hoffman, Castle's spokeswoman, said the military is still concerned about terrorists who have biological weapons.
Franhofer's research is "showing great promise," Hoffman said. Castle supports the funding because of the potential to develop cheaper, easier and more widely distributed vaccinations.
"It could be able to help soldiers, but now also citizens," Hoffman said.
Soldiers in the military are the only people currently receiving vaccines against biological weapons because of the current limited availability, she said.
Franhofer's research also makes the university look good, since many Franhofer employees are university graduates.
"Franhofer contributes to making Delaware a worldwide center for technology," Hoffman said.
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