Bavarian Nordic Launches MVA-BN Mpox Vaccine Study for Children
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, October 29, 2024 – Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA) has announced the initiation of a significant clinical study for its MVA-BN® mpox/smallpox vaccine in children aged 2 to 11 years. This move follows recent approvals from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the vaccine’s use in adolescents aged 12 to 17.
The first vaccinations in this critical study have commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with plans to expand to Uganda. A total of 460 individuals are expected to participate, as the study aims to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in younger children compared to adults. The study is registered under NCT06549530 and is partially funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Urgent Need for Child Vaccination Against Mpox
Paul Chaplin, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, emphasized the urgency of this study, stating, “Children remain highly vulnerable to mpox infections in the ongoing outbreak in Africa, highlighting the importance and urgency to broaden the access to effective vaccines that can be safely administered to this young population.” Chaplin expressed gratitude towards CEPI and the partners involved in the African sites for their support in this vital research.
The introduction of this study is timely, considering the rising incidence of mpox infections among children in Africa. With WHO having prequalified the MVA-BN vaccine for those aged 12 to 17 last month, results from the current study could potentially lead to extending approval to include children from 2 years and older.
Expert Insights on Vaccine Strategy
Dr. Nicole Lurie, Executive Director of Preparedness and Response at CEPI, noted the importance of the study’s findings, stating, “The findings of this study will be crucial in shaping mpox vaccine strategies that could protect children and bring an end to this devastating and widespread outbreak while also providing pivotal vaccine guidance in local endemic populations.”
While this is the inaugural investigation of MVA-BN for younger children, it’s noteworthy that a recombinant version of MVA-BN, known as Mvabea®, was approved by the EMA in 2020. This version was developed as part of a prime-boost regimen for preventing Ebola virus disease and had previously been tested in over 3,300 participants, including more than 800 children and adolescents in Africa.
Understanding MVA-BN and Its Implications
The MVA-BN vaccine, or Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic, is currently the only non-replicating mpox vaccine approved in various countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the EU. Originally developed as a smallpox vaccine in collaboration with the U.S. government, MVA-BN has been recognized for its safety profile, particularly for immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive traditional smallpox vaccines.
Bavarian Nordic’s mission centers on enhancing public health through innovative vaccine solutions, making them a preferred supplier of both mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments worldwide.
The Future of Child Vaccination Against Mpox
As health organizations continue to grapple with varying outbreaks of infectious diseases, the importance of vaccinations tailored for children cannot be overstated. Studies like the one initiated by Bavarian Nordic could pave the way for more comprehensive vaccination strategies that encompass younger populations effectively.
By expanding the approval spectrum of the MVA-BN vaccine to include children, we enhance not just individual health but also community immunity. This study represents a pivotal step in a broader vision of safeguarding children against mpox in regions heavily impacted by this disease.
Your thoughts on the urgency of vaccinating children against mpox? Join the conversation in the comments below or share this article to spread awareness.
For more information, you can visit Bavarian Nordic’s official website at www.bavarian-nordic.com, or view CEPI’s initiatives at CEPI.
This article presents a significant development in mpox vaccination efforts for children, contributing to public health discourse. If you’d like to stay informed about similar health and technology topics, consider subscribing to our newsletter or exploring other articles on Shorty-News.
