The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for the LC16m8 vaccine developed by a Japanese pharmaceutical firm KM Biologics to combat monkeypox (Mpox) outbreaks worldwide.
This is the second Mpox vaccine to be approved by WHO, following Bavarian Nordic’s MVA-BN vaccine earlier this 2024.
“This decision is expected to facilitate increased and timely access to vaccines in communities where mpox outbreaks are surging,” WHO stated.
The LC16m8 vaccine aims to target the vulnerable populations, including children and those who are living in the areas with high transmission rates.
Thus, the approval marks a critical step in addressing the Mpox crisis and ensuring wider vaccine access all over the world.
In connection to this, Japan plans to donate 3.05 million doses to Democratic Republic of Congo, the country most affected by the said disease.
Mpox is a viral disease causing fever and skin lesions that remains a global health emergency with over 39,000 suspected cases reported. – AL
