Bavarian Nordic in Talks To Boost Mpox Vaccine Production After WHO Declaration

Danish biotech firm Bavarian Nordic is contemplating ramping up production of its mpox vaccine, pending discussions with the WHO, Gavi, and Africa CDC. CEO Paul Chaplin stated that this urgent decision needs to be made soon to potentially switch production from other vaccines, following a recent WHO global health emergency declaration.

Danish biotech firm Bavarian Nordic is considering increasing its production of the mpox vaccine even before having firm orders. This decision depends on discussions with the World Health Organisation, the global vaccine group Gavi, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said CEO Paul Chaplin on Tuesday.

Chaplin emphasized the urgency of deciding whether to manufacture 'at risk,' which means without signed contracts. Diverting current manufacturing capacities to the mpox vaccine will take time. 'We need to be reasonably convinced that those orders will come through,' Chaplin added.

The discussions follow the WHO's announcement last week that declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency. Bavarian Nordic's shares have surged by 19% since the announcement. The company has pledged to produce 2 million doses by the end of this year and 10 million doses by the end of 2025 if it ramps up production now.

(With inputs from agencies.)