Watchdog accuses mpox vaccine maker of profiteering amid global health crisis

A U.S.-based watchdog group has raised concerns about the pricing strategies of Bavarian Nordic, the sole manufacturer of an approved mpox vaccine, Jynneos. The rapid spread of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo led the World Health Organization to declare a global emergency. Peter Maybarduk, director of Public Citizen's Access to Medicines program, criticized the company's lack of transparency regarding vaccine pricing, suggesting that it may prioritize profits over public health during this crisis. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) previously attempted to procure mpox vaccines but faced challenges due to Bavarian Nordic's refusal to provide a single low price for all member states. This has resulted in higher costs compared to other vaccines available through PAHO's bulk purchasing program. The implications of this pricing strategy raise concerns about access to vaccines for countries in need, particularly in Africa, where the Africa CDC estimates a requirement of 10 million doses to effectively combat the outbreak. Experts have warned that the current situation mirrors the inequities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where vaccine access was heavily skewed towards wealthier nations. An agreement has been made for the procurement of 200,000 doses for rapid distribution, but this falls significantly short of the demand. The U.S. has pledged to donate 50,000 doses to Congo, yet this still leaves a substantial gap in the necessary supply. The ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines. The lack of affordable pricing and transparency from Bavarian Nordic could hinder the global response to mpox, potentially exacerbating the health crisis in affected regions.