New Delhi, 17 December 2024: In a significant step toward combating the spread of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), the Serum Institute of India (SII), one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers, has partnered with Danish vaccine maker Bavarian Nordic to produce Mpox vaccines in India. This strategic collaboration aims to improve accessibility to the vaccine across developing nations and ensure preparedness for any potential outbreaks of the viral disease.
Mpox, which has emerged as a global health concern in recent years, is caused by the Monkeypox virus and primarily spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. The disease has been observed to cause fever, rash, and painful lesions, and in some severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Mpox Vaccine: The Partnership Between SII and Bavarian Nordic
Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotechnology company, is currently the sole producer of the Mpox vaccine, known as Jynneos or Imvanex in different regions. Given the global demand for the vaccine, especially during outbreaks, Bavarian Nordic has decided to collaborate with the Serum Institute of India to scale up production and widen the vaccine’s availability. This partnership will leverage the Serum Institute’s expertise in large-scale vaccine manufacturing, ensuring that doses are produced efficiently and at affordable rates.
Under this agreement, Serum Institute will manufacture the Mpox vaccine locally in India while adhering to Bavarian Nordic’s technology transfer and quality standards. This move is expected to significantly ramp up global production to meet the needs of countries facing vaccine shortages.
Dr. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “At the Serum Institute, we are committed to addressing global health challenges through affordable and high-quality vaccines. Partnering with Bavarian Nordic to produce the Mpox vaccine ensures that we can deliver a reliable solution to regions most in need.”
Mpox Vaccine: Why Is This Development Crucial?
The Mpox virus made global headlines during its 2022 outbreak, where thousands of cases were reported across non-endemic regions, including Europe, the United States, and Asia. This unusual spread highlighted the need for a coordinated global response and sufficient vaccine supply to curb further transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) during the peak of the outbreak, underscoring its growing threat. Despite a decline in cases, Mpox continues to linger in certain regions, and sporadic outbreaks remain a challenge, especially in underdeveloped and low-resource settings.
The Serum Institute’s role in manufacturing Mpox vaccines will ensure that countries with limited resources have access to life-saving immunization. The locally produced vaccines will not only lower costs but also reduce dependency on imports, helping countries build stronger health systems to fight Mpox outbreaks.
Mpox in India and the Need for Preparedness
While India has not experienced widespread Mpox outbreaks like some other countries, isolated cases have been reported. The Indian government and public health officials are working to ensure that the country remains prepared for potential outbreaks in the future.
By producing the vaccine domestically, India will have better control over its vaccine supply chain, ensuring rapid response capability in the event of Mpox cases. Furthermore, this development will solidify India’s position as a global leader in vaccine production, reinforcing its role in contributing to worldwide health security.
Experts also believe that proactive measures, such as vaccination campaigns and public health awareness, are essential to containing the virus. Having a domestic manufacturer like Serum Institute will enable India to carry out immunization drives effectively, should the need arise.
How Is This Initiative By Serum Institute Going To Benefit?
The Serum Institute of India’s collaboration with Bavarian Nordic is not just a win for India but also for the global health community. As Mpox continues to spread in certain regions, equitable access to vaccines is critical. Many developing nations, particularly in Africa where the disease is endemic, have struggled with vaccine shortages due to high costs and logistical challenges.
By increasing production capacity and offering cost-effective solutions, this partnership has the potential to bridge the gap between demand and supply, ensuring vaccines reach vulnerable populations promptly.
WHO officials have also welcomed this development, noting that expanding manufacturing capacity is vital for global health preparedness. Collaborations like this are instrumental in addressing future outbreaks efficiently and minimizing the socio-economic impact of diseases like Mpox.
The Serum Institute of India’s decision to manufacture the Mpox vaccine in partnership with Bavarian Nordic marks a significant milestone in the fight against this viral disease. By producing vaccines domestically, India will not only ensure its preparedness for future outbreaks but also support global efforts to control monkeypox.
This collaboration reflects the growing importance of public-private partnerships in global health and highlights India’s role as a critical player in vaccine production. With enhanced access to monkeypox vaccines, there is hope that nations can contain the virus effectively and prevent future outbreaks.