Bavarian Nordic Ramps Up Mpox Vaccine Production Amid Global Surge
Amsterdam, Sunday, 29 September 2024.
As mpox cases spike 160% globally in 2024, Bavarian Nordic accelerates production of Jynneos, the world’s only approved mpox vaccine. The company aims to manufacture 10 million doses by 2025, addressing critical shortages in Africa where a new, deadlier strain has emerged.
Global Health Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency due to the alarming rise in mpox cases, which have spiked by 160% in 2024[1]. This surge has led to over 500 deaths in Africa alone this year, surpassing the total fatalities reported in 2023[1]. The emergence of a new, deadlier strain of the mpox virus, known as clade 1, in the Democratic Republic of Congo has further exacerbated the crisis[1].
Bavarian Nordic’s Role
Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biopharmaceutical company, is at the forefront of combating the mpox outbreak with its Jynneos vaccine. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use in 2022, Jynneos is the only marketed mpox vaccine[1]. The company has committed to producing 10 million doses of the vaccine by the end of 2025, with 2 million doses targeted for 2024[1]. This ramp-up in production aims to address critical shortages, particularly in Africa, where health authorities have indicated a need for 10 million doses but currently have only 200,000 available[1].
How Jynneos Works
Jynneos is a live, non-replicating vaccine that contains a weakened form of the vaccinia virus, which elicits immune responses to orthopoxviruses, including mpox and smallpox[1]. The vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against these viruses, providing protective immunity[4]. The administration involves two doses for unvaccinated individuals, with the second dose given at least 28 days after the first. For those previously vaccinated or with weakened immune systems, a single booster dose is required[4].
Collaboration and Future Plans
Bavarian Nordic is collaborating with various global health organizations to expedite vaccine distribution. Recently, the company signed an advanced purchase agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to deliver 500,000 doses of Jynneos to African countries in 2024[6]. This agreement is part of a new emergency funding mechanism established by Gavi to combat the rapidly escalating mpox outbreak in Africa[6]. Additionally, Bavarian Nordic received approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to extend the use of its MVA-BN vaccine to adolescents aged 12-17, further broadening the vaccine’s availability[5].
Innovative Biotechnological Solutions
The Jynneos vaccine represents a significant biotechnological innovation in the field of healthtech. By utilizing a live, non-replicating virus, the vaccine offers a safer alternative to traditional vaccines, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. This approach not only ensures effective immunization but also minimizes the risk of adverse reactions. Bavarian Nordic’s commitment to scaling up production demonstrates the company’s pivotal role in addressing global health emergencies through innovative solutions[1].
Bronnen
- www.labiotech.eu
- www.bavarian-nordic.com
- www.ema.europa.eu
- www.bavarian-nordic.com
- www.cidrap.umn.edu