The Serum Institute of India (SII), led by CEO Adar Poonawalla, has revealed that it is actively developing a vaccine for Mpox, with expectations for a promising outcome within the next year. This announcement comes in response to the global health emergency declared due to the Mpox outbreak, which has raised concerns about the new CLADE 1B lineage of the virus.
Poonawalla emphasized the urgency of the development, stating, “In light of the global health emergency posed by the Mpox outbreak, we are committed to creating a vaccine that can protect millions at risk. We anticipate having significant updates and positive news within the next year.”
The Indian government has responded to the outbreak by issuing isolation guidelines for suspected cases and has tasked the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune with testing Mpox samples. Dr. Pragya Yadav of the NIV highlighted that while samples have been tested continuously since 2022, no positive cases have been detected yet. However, the emergence of the CLADE 1B lineage, which has shown an increased capacity for sexual transmission, has raised new concerns.
Former epidemiology expert Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar noted that the existing vaccines show around 80% efficacy but suggested that live attenuated vaccines might be more effective for vulnerable populations. He emphasized that mass vaccination may not be necessary, but priority could be given to individuals with multiple sexual partners.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) had previously declared Mpox a public health emergency in July 2022, though this declaration was revoked in May 2023. Since then, 99,176 cases and 208 deaths have been reported across 116 countries. In India, 30 cases have been detected since the outbreak began, with the latest case reported in March 2024.
The new CLADE 1B strain, particularly virulent, has been associated with a higher mortality rate, especially among children. The WHO has listed several vaccines approved for Mpox prevention, including those from Japan, Denmark, and the United States.
In response to the outbreak, India’s Union Health Ministry has issued instructions for heightened vigilance at airports and land borders. Delhi’s major hospitals, including Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, are preparing to manage Mpox patients, with special quarantine and isolation facilities being set up.
As global efforts continue to combat Mpox, the development of an effective vaccine by SII is anticipated to be a significant step towards controlling the outbreak and protecting public health.
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