The World Health Organization (WHO) approved the emergency use of a vaccine against mpox developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company KM Biologics. This is the second vaccine approved by the agency, according to AFP.
The WHO has announced that it has granted authorization to include the LC16m8 vaccine on its Emergency Use List (EUL) to facilitate timely access to vaccines in communities experiencing frequent mpox outbreaks.
“The WHO’s emergency use listing of the LC16m8 vaccine against mpox marks a significant step in our response to the current emergency, providing a new option to protect all populations, including children,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products.
The WHO warned, however, that this vaccine should not be used during pregnancy or in individuals with weakened immune systems.
In September, the WHO prequalified another mpox vaccine, the Bavarian-Nordic MVA-BN, as part of its efforts to combat the growing outbreaks of the disease.
On August 14, the United Nations health agency declared a new international emergency over the mpox epidemic, citing concerns about a rise in cases of the new 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has spread to neighboring countries.
According to the WHO, this year, cases of mpox, including this and other types, have been reported in 80 countries, including 19 in Africa. As of now, the worst-affected country remains the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 39,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 deaths reported. Mpox is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals, but can also be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact.
Mpox causes fever, muscle pain, and large skin lesions and can sometimes be fatal.
