The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) awarded Bavarian Nordic A/S a four-year contract for MVA-BN, the only vaccine available for the UK’s routine mpox program, the company said Nov. 2.
Bavarian Nordic said it expects to make deliveries over the contract period. The agreement includes optional flexibility provisions, but the company did not explain how they work. Its announcement gave no contract value, total dose count or delivery dates.
The company describes MVA-BN as a non-replicating vaccine for preventing mpox and smallpox. UKHSA guidance identifies Imvanex as its brand name in the UK and Europe. The agency says the vaccine has been used to prevent smallpox since 2013, received UK approval for mpox vaccination in September 2022 and remains the only vaccine currently available for the country’s routine mpox immunization program.
Sarah Collins, UKHSA’s Director, Commercial, Vaccines & Countermeasures Delivery, said working with trusted suppliers helps build a “resilient and flexible vaccine supply chain.” Bavarian Nordic said the contract supports the UK’s long-term preparedness for infectious disease threats and continues its partnership with the government.
The UK agreement comes days after Bavarian Nordic announced a separate commitment to a global mpox emergency reserve: a donation of 75,000 doses and a supply deal for 150,000 more, as described in our earlier coverage of the stockpile commitment. The company said deliveries under the UK contract will be scheduled during its four-year term, but it did not provide a calendar.
