The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially prequalified Bavarian Nordic's mpox vaccine, a crucial step towards expanding global access to this vital preventative measure. This announcement, released by Bavarian Nordic, signifies that the vaccine meets WHO's stringent standards for quality, safety, and efficacy.
The prequalification process ensures that vaccines procured by UN agencies and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are safe and effective. This approval is particularly important for resource-limited countries where mpox outbreaks pose a significant public health threat. The WHO's decision will facilitate the vaccine's procurement and distribution in these regions, bolstering global efforts to control the spread of the disease.
Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, presents with symptoms including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While typically self-limiting, the disease can lead to severe complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. The recent global outbreaks have highlighted the urgent need for effective vaccines to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further transmission.
Bavarian Nordic's mpox vaccine has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and immunogenicity in clinical trials. The vaccine is a non-replicating modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine, administered in two doses, and has shown to be effective in preventing mpox in adults. The WHO's prequalification underscores the vaccine's potential to significantly reduce the burden of mpox worldwide.
