The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted a variation to the marketing authorization for Imvanex, a vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic, to include protection against monkeypox. This decision marks a crucial advancement in the fight against the spread of the disease, offering a vital preventative measure for at-risk populations.
Imvanex, also known as MVA-BN or Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic, is a non-replicating vaccine based on a modified vaccinia Ankara virus. Originally developed for smallpox prevention, the recent variation acknowledges its efficacy against monkeypox, a disease that has seen a resurgence in recent years. The vaccine is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically in a two-dose regimen.
The EMA's decision was based on available data demonstrating the vaccine's ability to elicit an immune response against orthopoxviruses, the family of viruses to which both smallpox and monkeypox belong. Studies have shown that Imvanex induces neutralizing antibodies that cross-react with monkeypox virus, providing a level of protection against infection and severe disease. While clinical trial data specific to monkeypox is still emerging, real-world evidence and immunological data supported the EMA's positive assessment.
The approval of this variation is particularly timely, given the increasing number of monkeypox cases reported globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the multi-country outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, underscoring the urgent need for effective preventative measures. Imvanex offers a safe and well-tolerated option for individuals at high risk of exposure, including healthcare workers, laboratory personnel, and close contacts of confirmed cases.
With this approval, Imvanex is poised to play a significant role in controlling the monkeypox outbreak and protecting public health. The EMA's decision reflects the agency's commitment to rapidly adapting to emerging health threats and ensuring access to safe and effective vaccines.
