KEMRI partners with US firm Tonix Pharmaceuticals to develop mpox vaccine

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and US-based Tonix Pharmaceuticals have announced a collaboration to develop and test a new vaccine aimed at preventing mpox, a viral zoonotic disease.

The partnership announced on Wednesday marks a significant step in addressing the global threat posed by mpox as cases continue to rise globally.

Under the research agreement, Tonix Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Chatham, New Jersey, will work with KEMRI to conduct a Phase I clinical trial of TNX-801, an investigational single-dose vaccine for mpox.

The trial, set to take place in Kenya, will focus on assessing the vaccine's safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity.

"We are excited to move forward with this important trial in partnership with KEMRI," said Dr Seth Lederman, the Tonix Pharmaceuticals CEO.

"Given the continued spread of mpox and the recent global health concerns, there is an urgent need for a durable, single-dose vaccine like TNX-801. Preclinical data has been highly encouraging, and we believe TNX-801 aligns with the World Health Organisation's preferred characteristics for mpox vaccines. Our goal is to contribute to the global effort to halt the spread of this infectious disease," Lederman said.

KEMRI Director General Elijah Songok expressed pride in the institution's partnership with Tonix, noting the importance of the trial for both Kenya and the global health community.

"As an institute at the forefront of medical research in Africa, we recognise the importance of developing innovative solutions that are accessible and effective," Songok said.

"The planned clinical trial of TNX-801 reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing scientific research that not only benefits Kenya but also contributes to global efforts to prevent and manage emerging infectious diseases. Together, we aim to make significant strides in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities at risk," he said.

This partnership comes as the WHO reports a rise in mpox cases across Africa, with cases of the newly identified Clade Ib Mpox also being recorded in non-endemic countries like Sweden, Thailand, Singapore, and India, underlining the virus's potential to spread across borders.

Mpox, formerly referred to as monkeypox, is a viral infection similar to smallpox but generally less severe.

The new vaccine, if proven effective, could become a vital tool in controlling the spread of mpox and protecting at-risk populations.

Kenya has so far confirmed 17 cases and one death from mpox.

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