The World Health Organization's recent declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern underscores the escalating threat posed by the Clade 1 strain of the Mpox virus, now spreading beyond Central Africa to Europe, Asia, and North America. GeoVax Labs, Inc. is addressing this crisis with the development of GEO-MVA, a U.S.-based MVA vaccine for Mpox and smallpox, aiming to diversify the global vaccine supply currently reliant on a single manufacturer.
With Clade 1 Mpox cases confirmed in several U.S. states and viral particles detected in wastewater across the country, the need for an effective and scalable vaccine solution is critical. GeoVax's GEO-MVA, expected to enter clinical trials in 2026, represents a strategic effort to enhance pandemic resilience, offering a cost-effective, scalable alternative that leverages advanced manufacturing processes to increase production yield and eliminate dependency on pathogen-free chicken eggs.
The company's engagement with U.S. federal agencies and selection for a BARDA initiative highlight the importance of GEO-MVA in strengthening national biosecurity and public health readiness. GeoVax's call to accelerate regulatory pathways and expand federal funding reflects the broader implications of this development for global health security, emphasizing the need for preparedness against future outbreaks.
