BioNTech, a German biotechnology company, has announced a partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to advance the development of a vaccine for mpox. CEPI will provide funding of up to $90 million to support the development of vaccine candidates that utilize BioNTech’s mRNA technology.
Mpox is a viral illness that can cause skin rashes and is transmitted to humans through physical contact. It is a high-medical-need infectious disease, particularly affecting lower-income countries. BioNTech aims to develop vaccines for the prevention of such diseases.
As part of the partnership, BioNTech will initiate an early-to-mid-stage trial for the vaccine candidate BNT166, which is designed to prevent mpox. The funding from CEPI will enable BioNTech to accelerate the development process and bring the vaccine closer to market.
mRNA technology is a cutting-edge approach to vaccine development. It involves using a messenger RNA molecule to instruct cells in the body to produce a specific protein that triggers an immune response against the targeted disease. This technology has shown great promise in the development of effective and safe vaccines.
The collaboration between BioNTech and CEPI highlights the importance of partnerships in addressing global health challenges. By combining resources and expertise, these organizations can expedite the development of vaccines and ensure that they reach those in need, particularly in low-income regions.
This partnership is a significant step forward in the fight against mpox and other infectious diseases. It demonstrates BioNTech’s commitment to developing innovative solutions and improving global health outcomes.
Sources:
– BioNTech
– Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
