The MVA-BN vaccine, known as Jynneos in the US and Imvanex in Europe, is being tested to see if it can be safely given to children aged 2 to 11. Bavarian Nordic, the company behind the vaccine, has started a Phase II trial to assess its safety and immune response in children compared to adults. This trial, partly funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), will recruit participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo and possibly Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared mpox a global health emergency due to its spread in Africa.
The MVA-BN vaccine doesn’t replicate and is already approved for use in older age groups. In September, the European Medicines Agency allowed its use for adolescents over 12. Additionally, an agreement was made to supply 500,000 doses to African countries. This trial is the first time the vaccine is being tested for younger children. A related vaccine, Mvabea, was approved in 2020 for Ebola prevention in children as young as one.
Dr. Nicole Lurie from CEPI emphasized the importance of this study in protecting children and guiding future vaccine strategies against mpox. The vaccine is a significant revenue source for Bavarian Nordic, earning approximately $724 million last year. Another mpox vaccine by Moderna is also being tested in adults.
In summary, Bavarian Nordic is expanding the use of its mpox vaccine to younger children through a new study, with implications for future public health strategies.