Emergent BioSolutions Partners with PANTHER to Advance Africa CDC-Led Mpox Treatment Trial
Key Insights
Emergent BioSolutions announced a collaboration agreement with PANTHER (search) to provide additional financial support for the Africa CDC (search)-led 'MpOx (search) Study in Africa' (MOSA), a double-blind, platform-adaptive clinical trial evaluating potential mpox treatments.
An independent data and safety monitoring board completed its initial review of MOSA safety data in December 2025 after the first 50 patients were randomized and recommended trial continuation with no safety concerns identified.
Africa has reported more than 61,383 confirmed mpox (search) cases and 296 deaths across 32 countries since the beginning of 2024, with both major clades present including the more severe Clade I endemic to Central Africa.
Emergent BioSolutions has announced a collaboration agreement with PANTHER (search) to provide additional financial support for the Africa CDC (search)-led 'MpOx (search) Study in Africa' (MOSA), marking a significant step forward in developing treatments for mpox, a virus for which there is currently no dedicated antiviral therapy.
Trial Progress and Safety Milestone
Launched in 2024, MOSA is a double-blind, platform-adaptive clinical trial designed to evaluate potential treatment options for mpox (search) across multiple African countries. The study initially received funding from the European Union and Africa CDC (search), with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) serving as a major area of focus.
An independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) completed its initial review of MOSA safety data in December 2025, after the first 50 patients were randomized, and recommended continuing the trial with no safety concerns identified. This milestone represents a critical validation of the study's safety profile as it moves forward.
"We applaud Africa CDC (search), the DRC investigators, and PANTHER (search) for their efforts in reaching this important milestone and are proud to support the advancement of the MOSA trial," said Simon Lowry, M.D., chief medical officer, head of research and development at Emergent. "Emergent is committed to collaborating with research partners around the world to study medications that address global health threats."
Expanding Research Scope
As the study continues, Africa CDC (search) and PANTHER (search) intend to extend the study to new countries, including a site in Uganda, and enroll patients to reach the next milestone. This expansion reflects the continental scope of the mpox (search) challenge and the need for comprehensive research across diverse populations.
"This study represents a critical step in generating evidence to inform mpox (search) treatment and strengthen Africa's capacity to respond to emerging health threats," said Africa CDC (search) Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya. "Africa CDC will continue working closely with partners whose collaboration and support are essential in advancing research and improving preparedness across the continent."
Disease Burden and Viral Complexity
Since the beginning of 2024, the continent has reported more than 61,383 confirmed cases and 296 deaths across 32 countries, according to Africa CDC (search). The disease burden highlights the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions.
Africa has both major mpox (search) clades present: Clade I, which is endemic to Central Africa and causes more severe illness, and Clade II, which is more prevalent in West Africa. Recent outbreaks have featured subclades like Clade Ia, Ib and Clade IIa and IIb, demonstrating the viral diversity that researchers must consider in developing treatments.
Research Partnership Framework
PANTHER (search) is sponsoring MOSA as part of the MPX-RESPONSE Project that has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme under grant agreement 101115188. This multi-institutional approach brings together African-led research capabilities with international support and funding.
The collaboration represents Emergent BioSolutions' broader commitment to addressing global health threats, building on the company's 25-year history of developing protective and life-saving solutions for health threats including smallpox (search), mpox (search), botulism (search), Ebola (search), anthrax (search), and opioid overdose emergencies.