LANSING, Mich. -- Lansing-based BioPort Corp. said Monday that it will start making the anthrax later this month and could win government approval to resume shipments by mid-December.

BioPort is the only anthrax vaccine manufacturer in the nation. The company plans to launch a new production cycle Nov. 22.

Video

BioPort Official Explains Production Issue

The firm provides vaccines for government and commercial use. But repeated failures to meet Food and Drug Administration guidelines have prevented BioPort from making the anthrax vaccine for two years, Local First News reported. The firm failed inspections in 1999 and last year.

FDA inspectors will monitor that production when they visit the plant next month, BioPort said Monday.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said that BioPort could be providing vaccines to the military by Thanksgiving. He said that the lab had made improvements.

BioPort officials suggest it will take a little longer to get the vaccine on the market because of additional time needed for workers to prepare for production.

If given the go-ahead, the firm is expected to begin giving the vaccine to military personnel, lab workers and others who may have contact with the bacterium.

BioPort has more than 200 employees, and officials said that they have not received any direct threats since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The lab used to be run by the state, but it was sold to BioPort in 1998. It sits near the state health department offices.