GeoVax Labs, Inc. has emphasized the critical need for expanding global access to Mpox vaccines, as highlighted by recent outbreaks and the spread of more virulent strains. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has supported GeoVax's expedited development pathway for its GEO-MVA vaccine candidate, allowing for a streamlined approval process based on immuno-bridging studies. This approach could significantly reduce development time while ensuring vaccine efficacy and safety.
The global situation has worsened with the spread of Clade I Mpox across continents, including new cases in China, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the U.S. The detection of local transmission in China and travel-linked cases from Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) underscores the high risk of international spread. Additionally, new data confirming vertical transmission of Mpox in the DRC has intensified calls for next-generation vaccines with comprehensive safety profiles.
GeoVax's GEO-MVA vaccine is being developed as a scalable and strategic alternative to existing MVA-based vaccines, with plans for modernized manufacturing to enable lower-cost, U.S.-based production. The company is engaging with global health organizations and governments to facilitate rapid deployment in affected regions, addressing the immediate need for vaccine diversification and long-term infrastructure resilience.
