MPox in the News:

With the recent award to the UBC/Eyam partnership for the development of an MPox vaccine and the W.H.O. Director General declaration of a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” regarding the outbreak of the MPox (Monkey Pox) virus, I thought it was timely to address the current situation.

The media has covered this event from different angles over the last month, and as we attempt to do each month, we’ll cover the facts with an eye towards integral objectivity.

First, what is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

On August 13, 2024 the CDC of Africa declared MPox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, estimating that it would take $4B to control the situation.

A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is an extraordinary event declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) when a disease outbreak or other public health event poses a risk to multiple countries and requires a coordinated international response. The declaration is made under the International Health Regulations (IHR), a legally binding framework agreed upon by 196 countries to help the international community prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders and threaten people worldwide.

What does it mean when the WHO declares a PHEIC?

When the WHO declares a PHEIC, it signals that the situation is serious, unusual, or unexpected, and that it carries implications for public health beyond the affected country’s national borders. The declaration triggers international cooperation (funding) and can lead to recommendations on travel, trade, quarantine measures, and the distribution of medical resources. It also mobilizes additional resources and expertise to contain and mitigate the spread of the disease. The regions most affected by MPox, would also be available to receive funding and additional resources with the intention of controlling and containing the spread of the disease.

What is MPox?

MPox is a viral disease that currently primarily occurs in central and western Africa. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. While similar to smallpox, MPox is generally less severe but can still lead to serious health complications.

How does MPox spread?

MPox can spread to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person’s lesions or bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated materials like bedding.

The MPox Vaccine Initiative

In partnership with UBC, and funding from CHIR, Eyam’s Jennerator design platform is quickly designing vaccine candidates for current and predicted MPox variants. Leveraging the Gemini Platform, the program will aspire to create new vaccines that have the potential to be manufactured at a much lower cost, are scalable for the rapid manufacturing of millions of doses, and aim to be more protective and longer lasting while also more stable at higher temperatures to reach those hard to reach regions.

Our innovative approach leverages recombinant technology, which offers significant advantages including:

• Safety: Since recombinant vaccines do not contain live pathogens, they are generally safer, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
• Precision: This technology allows for the production of specific antigens, reducing the risk of side effects related to other components of the pathogen.
• Scalability: Recombinant technology facilitates large-scale production, which is essential during pandemics or widespread vaccination campaigns.
• Stability: Recombinant vaccines often have better stability and can be stored and transported more easily than some live vaccines – critical to effectively reach the outbreak areas in Central and West Africa.

It’s a BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) and our technology and team are up to the task.

Eyam is committed to using cutting-edge technologies in collaboration with strategic partners to create vaccines that not only address current health challenges but also anticipate future needs. We believe that our work with UBC on the MPox vaccine will play a crucial role in preventing outbreaks and protecting communities worldwide.

We are excited about the progress we’ve made and are grateful for your continued support as we work towards making this vaccine a reality. Together, we are shaping the future of public health and making strides in our mission to develop next-generation vaccines and therapeutics.