The emergence of Clade 1 Mpox in multiple U.S. states has exposed critical weaknesses in the nation's vaccine supply infrastructure, prompting biotechnology company GeoVax to advance an alternative vaccine solution to mitigate potential public health risks. Over the past four months, confirmed cases of Clade 1 Mpox have been reported in California, Georgia, New Hampshire, and New York. This highly virulent strain, with a fatality rate between 3% and 10%, represents a significant threat to public health, particularly given the current dependence on a single non-U.S. vaccine manufacturer.
The current vaccine landscape presents multiple challenges, including supply chain instability, insufficient production capacity, and high costs. African health agencies have requested 20 million vaccine doses in 2025, yet only 2–5 million doses are expected to be available. At approximately $270 per dose in the United States, the existing vaccine can be prohibitively expensive for widespread vaccination efforts.
GeoVax is developing GEO-MVA, an alternative Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) based vaccine designed to address these critical supply chain vulnerabilities. The innovative vaccine production approach aims to provide scalable, cost-effective manufacturing that could be implemented within existing vaccine production facilities. Key advantages of GeoVax's approach include potential elimination of dependencies on Specific Pathogen Free chicken eggs, increased manufacturing flexibility, and the ability to produce vaccines domestically.
By establishing strategic partnerships with international biotechnology firms and engaging with U.S. and international health agencies, GeoVax hopes to expedite regulatory approvals and secure necessary funding. The company has already completed current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing of the GEO-MVA drug substance and anticipates clinical vialed material availability by mid-year. This development represents a critical step toward diversifying the Mpox vaccine supply and enhancing global pandemic preparedness.
The urgent need for vaccine supply diversification is underscored by the potential for rapid viral spread and the limitations of current manufacturing approaches. As Clade 1 Mpox continues to pose a growing threat, innovative solutions like GeoVax's GEO-MVA could play a pivotal role in protecting public health and preventing potential large-scale outbreaks.
