Smallpox vaccine considered to fight monkeypox
The European Medicines Agency has approached the maker of a human smallpox vaccine to expand its use once morest its cousin.
The Imvanex vaccine, made by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic, was authorized by the EMA in 2013 for smallpox, but the manufacturer did not seek authorization for its use once morest monkeypox at the time.
REUTERS
On Thursday, the European medicines regulator said it had started discussions with the manufacturer of a vaccine once morest human smallpox, eradicated since 1980, to possibly extend its use once morest its cousin, monkeypox.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it was in contact with the manufacturer Imvanex “as a precaution”, to ensure that there is sufficient stock if necessary. “Although the spread is rather unprecedented in Europe, it is not currently a public health emergency,” said Marco Cavaleri, EMA’s head of vaccine strategy.
Less dangerous and contagious
Monkeypox is usually a mild disease, but its spread outside endemic areas, mainly in Europe, remains a source of concern. More than 550 cases in 30 countries – where the disease is not endemic and occurs only very rarely – have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) since the start of the current outbreak of cases, it almost a month ago.
Monkey pox (“monkeypox” in English) or “simian orthopoxvirosis” is a disease considered rare, known in humans since 1970. It is caused by a DNA virus. It is considered much less dangerous and contagious than its cousin, smallpox, eradicated for more than forty years.
Vaccine authorized in 2013
The Imvanex vaccine, made by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic, was authorized by the EMA in 2013 for smallpox, but the manufacturer did not seek authorization for its use once morest monkeypox at the time. Animal data showed Imvanex to be ‘effective’ once morest monkeypox.
The vaccine might be administered to people who have been in close contact with infected individuals, to prevent the spread of the disease. The EMA hopes that the Danish manufacturer will apply for authorization “as soon as possible”, Marco Cavaleri said, without however giving a deadline. The European Commission said last week that it was already working to centralize purchases of monkeypox vaccines and treatments.
Posted today at 8:56 p.m.
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