Bavarian Nordic Collaborates with Serum Institute for Mpox Vaccine Manufacturing

Danish biotech company Bavarian Nordic A/S has partnered with the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, to produce Mpox vaccines for the Indian market. As per the agreement, Bavarian Nordic will transfer its vaccine production technology to the Serum Institute, enabling domestic vaccine supply in India and enhancing global production capacity through contract manufacturing.

Terms of the Collaboration

Under this deal, Bavarian Nordic’s technology transfer will allow the Serum Institute to meet the growing domestic demand for the Mpox vaccine. The partnership is structured around a profit-sharing model, with no upfront or milestone payments involved. This collaboration also enables Bavarian Nordic to scale up its global vaccine supply and ensure equitable access to Mpox vaccines.

Mpox Outbreak and Global Impact

In 2024, the Mpox outbreak escalated into a major global health crisis. Over 65,700 cases have been reported, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with approximately 1,200 fatalities. A new variant of the monkeypox virus, clade 1b, has emerged, spreading more rapidly through sexual contact and displaying higher mortality rates.

Regional and Global Effects

The outbreak has severely impacted Central Africa, with the DRC at its epicentre. Nearly all reported fatalities, particularly among children under 15, have occurred in this region. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024, citing the virus’s rapid spread and potential to affect neighbouring countries.

Vaccine Production Goals

The partnership between Bavarian Nordic and the Serum Institute aims to bolster epidemic preparedness by ensuring an adequate supply of Mpox vaccines. According to Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute, this collaboration leverages the manufacturing expertise of both organisations to safeguard vulnerable populations and ease the global burden of Mpox.

WHO’s Global Response

In response to the outbreak, the WHO and international health authorities have ramped up vaccination campaigns and surveillance in affected regions. Efforts are underway in countries like Rwanda and the DRC to protect high-risk groups and curb the virus’s transmission.

The Role of Bavarian Nordic and Serum Institute in Public Health

Paul Chaplin, CEO of Bavarian Nordic, emphasised the importance of scaling up global vaccine manufacturing to ensure equitable access for all nations. He highlighted the collaboration with the Serum Institute as a crucial step toward addressing the Mpox outbreak.

Future Implications

This agreement reflects a proactive approach to epidemic preparedness and underlines the need for robust international partnerships in combating emerging health crises. The partnership is expected to strengthen vaccine accessibility and preparedness for future outbreaks while reinforcing the global healthcare response system.