While Covid-19 still rages, the world is facing another public health emergency – monkeypox.
The current outbreak puts vulnerable groups at risk, strains historically underfunded sexual health facilities and exposes LGBTQ+ communities to more stigma. Moreover, if it becomes endemic, we may see more dangerous mutations still.
It is also a clear example of how pharma has failed us. While Africa has been dealing with this virus for years, it’s only now receiving attention because it hit rich countries too. Right now, only one company in the world holds the patent and know-how for the vaccine authorised for use against monkeypox, and supplies are very limited.
It’s time to demand action – Bavarian Nordic must ensure producers around the world can scale up production of this vaccine as quickly as possible.
Photo: Angellodeco/Theerakit/Shutterstock
The majority of doses available are in bulk form and require a process called fill and finish before they can be deployed to health clinics. The company must urgently task far more eligible contractors with fill and finish responsibilities. One – Aspen in South Africa – has offered to help but has still not been offered a license.
As things stand, Bavarian Nordic can’t produce the doses we need fast enough. And although the majority of monkeypox deaths have so far been registered in Africa, the continent hasn't received a single dose. Meanwhile, the US has already bought up the bulk of what is ready to use, and rich countries are experimenting with low dosage to make the limited supplies last.
We are witnessing history repeating. Despite the disease existing in some African countries for 50 years, there has been limited research into effective vaccines and treatments, and health needs there were ignored. More R&D investment is urgently needed, and so is funding into expanding manufacturing capacity in lower and middle-income countries. The existing vaccine was developed with substantial public funding but is once again under the complete control of a single private company.
We demand that Bavarian Nordic urgently work with all eligible contractors who can help with the fill and finish of available vaccines in bulk. We also demand that the company share the technology and know-how, and work to expand agreements with capable and safe manufacturers who can help narrow the huge gap in supply. The story of vaccine inequality is repeating itself. But Bavarian Nordic can act today to change the ending.