Mpox vaccine
Context:
Recently, Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA),a vaccine company, announced that it has obtained prequalification from the
WHO for IMVANEX® (MVA-BN®) as the first mpox vaccine to be added to the WHO prequalification list.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Science and technology)
Key highlights:
- The approval is in the pre-qualification list of WHO.
- Impact in Africa:
- Nearly 70% of Mpox cases in Congo are among children younger than 15.
- According to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention- Children accounted for 85% of Mpox-related deaths in the country.
About the MVA-BN vaccine:
- MVA-BN or Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic is the only non-replicating mpox vaccine.
- It is approved in U.S., Switzerland, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom and the EU/EAA.
- Originally developed as a smallpox vaccine in collaboration with the U.S. government to ensure the supply of a smallpox vaccine for the entire population.
- MVA-BN has been indicated for use in the general adult population in individuals considered at risk for smallpox or mpox infection.
- Bavarian Nordic has been a long-term supplier of the vaccine to national stockpiles, and during the 2022-2023 mpox outbreak. The Company supported governments and supranational organizations by expanding access to the vaccine to more than 70 countries worldwide.
