The global health community faces a mounting crisis as Mpox cases surge, particularly in Africa, with over 21,000 confirmed cases in 2025 alone, surpassing the previous year's total. The situation is exacerbated by the emergence of more virulent Clade I and Clade 1a Mpox variants, which have now been detected in several countries outside Africa, including the United States, China, and parts of Europe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), underscoring the urgent need for effective and scalable vaccine solutions.
GeoVax Labs, Inc. has announced an expedited development strategy for its GEO-MVA Mpox vaccine candidate, following favorable scientific advice from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This guidance supports a streamlined regulatory pathway, potentially enabling quicker access to the vaccine in the EU and globally. The GEO-MVA vaccine is being developed to address both Clade I and Clade II Mpox variants, with clinical trials set to evaluate its safety and immunogenicity.
The crisis in Africa, where healthcare systems are overwhelmed and vaccine supplies are critically short, highlights the need for diversified and scalable vaccine platforms. GeoVax is leveraging its advanced MVA manufacturing platform to enable rapid, large-scale production of the GEO-MVA vaccine, aiming to overcome the limitations of current egg-based methods. The company is also engaging with international partners to ensure equitable vaccine access, particularly in high-risk and underserved regions.
David Dodd, Chairman & CEO of GeoVax, emphasized the importance of immediate action to address the Mpox crisis, noting the company's commitment to providing a scalable and effective vaccine solution. With the WHO's emergency designation and the EMA's regulatory support, GeoVax is positioned to play a critical role in the global response to the Mpox outbreak, offering hope for containment and prevention in affected regions worldwide.
