Serum Institute To Manufacture Mpox Vaccine By Danish Maker Bavarian Nordic

Pune: Serum Institute of India (SII) will be manufacturing Danish vaccine company Bavarian Nordic’s Mpox vaccine MVA-BN for the Indian market.

The two companies have signed a license and manufacturing agreement, said Bavarian Nordic.

“Under the agreement, the companies will undertake a technology transfer of the current manufacturing process for MVA-BN® to SII to enable supply for the Indian market, for which SII obtains the license to sell and distribute the vaccine,” said the Bavarian Nordic statement.

“Furthermore, upon the relevant regulatory approvals, the agreement enables SII to perform contract manufacturing of MVA-BN for Bavarian Nordic which expands the manufacturing capacity, ensuring global access even during outbreaks of mpox.”

Mpox, a viral disease caused by monkeypox virus, can spread between people, mainly through close contact. It can also be transmitted from infected animals to people who come into contact with them.

The license agreement between the two companies is based on a profit-sharing model with no associated upfront or milestone payments, Bavarian Nordic said.

SII will be responsible for seeking and maintaining regulatory approval of the vaccine in India.

SII, it may be recalled, manufactured Covishield – the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine – in its Pune factory during the pandemic.

On its latest association, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla said their mission has always been to deliver high-quality, affordable vaccines worldwide.

“The recent mpox outbreak underscores the critical need for a swift and coordinated response. Partnering with Bavarian Nordic on the MVA-BN mpox vaccine reflects our shared commitment to protect millions at risk. Leveraging our manufacturing strength and rapid response capabilities, we aim to enhance epidemic preparedness and expand access to life-saving vaccines, safeguarding vulnerable populations and easing the global burden of mpox,” Poonawalla said in a statement.