Breaking News: EC Greenlights Imvanex for Teenagers Amid Ongoing Mpox Crisis!

In a significant move, the European Commission (EC) has officially approved Bavarian Nordic’s Imvanex vaccine for use in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, extending its marketing authorisation. This groundbreaking decision is expected to bolster the fight against both smallpox and mpox, diseases that have posed serious health risks across the globe.

Imvanex, also known as MVA-BN, has already secured approval in the EU for safeguarding adults against smallpox and mpox, alongside diseases caused by the vaccinia virus. The EC's endorsement comes on the heels of a recommendation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), based on promising interim results from a clinical study. This study highlighted the vaccine's capacity to elicit immune responses comparable between 315 adolescents and 211 adults who received two standard doses.

Since the onset of the global mpox outbreak in 2022, more than 120 countries have reported over 103,000 cases. In stark contrast, smallpox was declared eradicated back in 1980—a historic public health victory. The urgency of addressing mpox, especially in vulnerable populations, has led to coordinated efforts among global health bodies.

Originally developed as a smallpox vaccine with support from the US government, Imvanex utilizes a weakened form of the vaccinia virus, closely related to both smallpox and mpox, making it a critical tool in pandemic preparedness.

Stella Kyriakides, the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, remarked on the importance of this development: “While the overall risk of mpox for the general population in the EU remains low, we must continue to stay vigilant and prepared.” The EU is actively collaborating with various international entities, including the World Health Organization and the African Union, to control mpox's spread, especially in Africa where cases remain concerning.

Bavarian Nordic's President and CEO, Paul Chaplin, highlighted the milestone this approval represents: "This is a crucial step in our mission to ensure our vaccine is accessible to all populations, particularly the vulnerable communities most affected by the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa."

Looking ahead, Bavarian Nordic plans to expand the vaccine’s indication to even younger populations and is preparing for a new clinical trial to assess Imvanex in children aged two to 12 years. This commitment to research can potentially save countless lives and provide life-saving immunity not only in Europe but around the world.

Stay tuned as we follow this developing story and provide updates on the essential strides in public health vaccination efforts!