Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), known for its role in manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines, has started working on mpox vaccine as the viral infection continues to spread globally. The CEO of SII, Adar Poonawalla, announced the initiative in response to the ongoing global health emergency declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Adar Poonawalla confirmed that SII has initiated the development of a vaccine aimed at combating mpox, a viral infection that has rapidly spread across 116 countries. “In view of the global health emergency declared due to the mpox outbreak, Serum Institute of India is currently working on developing a vaccine for this disease to cater to millions of lives that might be at risk,” Poonawalla stated. He expressed optimism about the progress, indicating that more updates and positive news could be expected within a year.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was first reported as an outbreak in 2022 and has since been declared a global health emergency by the WHO. As of June 30, 2024, there have been 99,176 confirmed cases and 208 deaths worldwide. The virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, shares genetic similarities with other viruses such as smallpox and cowpox.
While there are existing vaccines, such as the MVA-BN and Acam2000, approved by regulatory authorities in the EU, US, Canada, and other nations, they have not been entirely effective in targeting the monkeypox virus. These vaccines work on the principle of cross-reactivity, where the immune system recognizes structurally similar viruses and mounts a defense. However, the current vaccines have shown limited efficacy in combating the mpox virus.
India has yet to report any mpox cases, but authorities are on high alert. Airports and land borders have heightened surveillance, especially at points of entry from Pakistan and Bangladesh, where cases have been detected. The Indian health ministry has designated three hospitals in Delhi—Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital—as nodal centers for quarantine and treatment.
Additionally, the country has ramped up laboratory capacity, with 32 labs now equipped to test for mpox. Since the beginning of the outbreak in 2022, India has reported 30 confirmed cases, with the most recent one occurring in March 2024.
As SII continues its work on the mpox vaccine, the global health community remains vigilant. The development of a new vaccine could play a crucial role in controlling the spread of this virus, offering hope to millions at risk worldwide.
