Time: 2024-08-19
Shares for mpox vaccine maker Bavarian Nordic surged after the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency over an escalating outbreak of the disease in Africa . Bavarian Nordic stock jumped more than 14 % during early trading in Copenhagen on Thursday , extending gains of roughly 12 % and 8 % from Wednesday and Thursday , respectively . The Danish company is one of the only companies with an approved mpox vaccine on the market , and its product is the vaccine of choice for healthcare providers due to its favorable risk profile . The stock has risen more than 40 % over the last five days . Emergent BioSolutions , a U.S. company with a smallpox vaccine , has also surged , with gains of around 12 % and 14 % on Wednesday and Thursday.
Emergent BioSolutions ' ACAM2000 smallpox vaccine is effective against smallpox but has drawbacks that make it less favorable for use against mpox . The vaccine has potentially dangerous side effects that are considered unacceptable against a less significant threat like mpox . It is also unsuitable for use in pregnant people , infants , and immunocompromised individuals . The shot uses a live virus to induce immunity and is delivered using a more cumbersome technique than other vaccines . Bavarian Nordic 's mpox vaccine is the only shot approved for widespread use against the virus , with limited options like Japans KM Biologics LC16 vaccine and Russias fourth - generation smallpox / orthopoxvirus vaccine.
Bavarian Nordic submitted data to the European Unions medicines regulator to extend the use of its vaccine to cover adolescents ages 12 to 17 . The company is also planning further trials of the shot in children as young as two . WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared a public health emergency of international concern after the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a similar warning . The mpox outbreak in central Africa poses a significant risk to children , pregnant individuals , and those with compromised immune systems . Data suggests a high death rate linked to the new variant responsible for the outbreak , with over 17,000 suspected cases and 500 deaths reported so far this year.
Bavarian Nordic aims to supply 10 million vaccine doses by the end of 2025 . The company 's stock surge reflects growing global concerns over the mpox outbreak and the need for effective vaccines . With ongoing trials and regulatory approvals , Bavarian Nordic is at the forefront of combating the disease , while other companies like Emergent BioSolutions face challenges in adapting their existing vaccines for mpox . As the global health community works to contain the outbreak , the availability and effectiveness of vaccines like Bavarian Nordic 's will play a crucial role in controlling the spread of the disease.
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