Why in news
WHO has, once again, declared mpox, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), following its outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Africa, and subsequently spreading to over a dozen African countries
In the days following the PHEIC declaration, cases of mpox were identified in Sweden, Pakistan and the Philippines, indicating that the virus has likely spread beyond the African continent
MVA-BN vaccine
Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN), a live, attenuated, non-replicating, proprietary version of the MVA virus
Used for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox, with potential antineoplastic activity
It’s produced using chick embryo cell cultures
Approved in :
European Union and United Kingdom (marketed as Imvanex),
United States and Switzerland (marketed as Jynneos),
Canada (marketed as Imvamune)
Importance of Technology Transfers and Vaccine Production in the Global South
Technology transfers enable vaccine production capabilities in the Global South, ensuring wider and fairer access to vaccines like MVA-BN.
Production in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) can lower vaccine costs, making them more affordable and accessible.
Developing local manufacturing capabilities helps countries respond quickly to health crises without relying on external supplies.
Transfer of technology and know-how can rapidly scale up production capacity to meet global demand in emergencies.
Empowering countries to produce vaccines independently reduces dependency on high-income countries and promotes global health security.
Impact of India’s Regulatory Move
Waiving clinical trial requirements for vaccines already approved in major markets speeds up availability in India, crucial during health emergencies like mpox.
With its established vaccine manufacturing infrastructure, India can quickly scale up production of vaccines like MVA-BN.
Indian manufacturers, known for lower production costs, can potentially make vaccines more affordable and accessible.
India’s move positions it as a key player in global vaccine distribution, ensuring that vaccines reach underserved regions more efficiently.
Global Collaboration supports international efforts to manage global health crises by integrating India’s capabilities into the broader response strategy.
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