Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) have included Bavarian Nordic's MVA-BN vaccine on its prequalification list, used to designate it as the first mpox vaccine. This move aims to increase availability of the vaccine in high-need areas to facilitate control of transmission and contain outbreaks.
The MVA-BN vaccine, reviewed by WHO and the EMA regulatory authorities, showed results with an effectiveness rate of 76% after a single dose and 82% when given in two doses, four weeks apart. Though it is primarily approved for adults, it can be used off-label in children, pregnancy and immunocompromised people during outbreaks where benefits outweigh risks.
This is the only non-replicating mpox vaccine approved in the U.S., Switzerland and Singapore (JYNNEOS®), Canada (IMVAMUNE®), and the EU/EAA and UK (IMVANEX®) – according to the manufacturer Bavarian Nordic
The WHO calls for urgent scaling of vaccine procurement and rollout, particularly in Africa, where mpox cases are on the rise.
“The WHO prequalification of the MVA-BN vaccine will help accelerate ongoing procurement of the mpox vaccines by governments and international agencies such as GAVI and UNICEF to help communities on the frontlines of the ongoing emergency in Africa and beyond,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products.
