After delivering nearly 2 billion doses of covid-19 vaccine, Pune-based Serum Institute now developing Monkeypox vaccine
Serum Institute of India is currently working on developing a vaccine for Monkeypox
Pune, August 21, 2024: Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) said his company was currently working on a vaccine against Monkeypox and that he was hoping for a “positive outcome” within a year’s time.
After supplying nearly 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 146 countries around the world and helping to cope with the deadly covid-19 pandemic, SII is now proactively working on developing a vaccine for Monkeypox.
Poonawalla told TOI, “In view of the global health emergency declared due to the Mpox outbreak, SII is working on developing a vaccine for this disease to cater to millions of lives that might be at risk. Hopefully, we will have more updates and positive news to share within a year’s time.”
Recently after a high level meeting in the Union Health Ministry, the Government of India has released a set of guidelines for isolation of suspected Monkeypox cases. The NIV in Pune has been chosen to test the samples.
The World Health Organization on August 14 declared the Mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The move came after a sudden increase in cases was recorded in parts of Africa.
Experts say that the new lineage, CLADE 1B, which can also spread sexually, can be a cause for concern. However, the disease may not necessitate lockdowns like covid-19, they said.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that primarily spreads through close contact between individuals, and less commonly through contaminated objects or surfaces. Originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, the disease was largely neglected until it caused a global outbreak in 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency in July 2022, leading to the adoption of the term “mpox” to reduce stigma and improve public health communication.
Symptoms and transmission
Mpox symptoms typically include a rash lasting two to four weeks, which may be accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash, resembling blisters, can appear on various parts of the body including the face, hands, feet, and genital areas. Individuals with Mpox are infectious until all blisters have crusted over, scabs have fallen off, and new skin has formed. Recovery usually takes two to four weeks, but severe cases may require hospitalization and antiviral treatment.
Global response and prevention
The WHO emphasizes the need for decisive action to prevent the recurrence of neglected diseases like Mpox. With its re-emergence as a global health threat, efforts are focused on raising awareness, improving diagnosis, and providing effective treatments to manage the disease and prevent future outbreaks.
