The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced on the 2nd (local time) that it is discussing with manufacturers how to use the vaccine used for smallpox as a vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox.
EMA’s vaccine strategy director, Macro Cavaleri, said, “We are discussing whether the smallpox vaccine ‘Imbanex’ can be used if necessary for prevention,” AFP news agency reported.
Developed by Danish company Bavarian Nordic, Imbanex was approved as a smallpox vaccine in Europe in 2013, but in the United States it was approved for use in the prevention of monkeypox and alleviation of serious injuries.
Cavaleri said animal tests confirmed that Imbanex was effective once morest monkeypox, and hopes Nordic can submit data as soon as possible.
If approval is granted for Imbanex to be used for the prevention of monkeypox, it is highly likely that people who have come into contact with someone infected with monkeypox will be vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Cavaleri explained that although monkeypox has never been as widespread in Europe as it is now, the current stage cannot be viewed as a public health emergency.
/yunhap news
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