Let’s dive into the latest from the Kenya Medical Research Institute, affectionately known as KEMRI, who is cooking up a storm with a fresh partnership. They’re joining forces with Tonix Pharmaceuticals, an innovative biopharma outfit from across the pond in the U.S., to dish out a clinical trial for a brand-new mpox vaccine. Talk about global collaborations shaking things up!
On a rather somber note, picture this: a beleaguered patient battling mpox is tended to in a hospital nestled on the periphery of Goma, North Kivu province, amid the Democratic Republic of Congo’s lush eastern expanse. The date? August 19th, 2024. With this backdrop, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the development of an effective vaccine.
KEMRI’s announcement from Nairobi wasn’t just a whisper in the wind—it was a trumpet blast setting the stage for a landmark study. They’re aiming to test TNX-801, a pioneering vaccine developed to fend off mpox. This Phase I trial will unfold on Kenyan soil, scrutinizing the vaccine’s safety, tolerability, and how dang well it triggers an immune response.
In the words of KEMRI’s top dog, Elijah Songok, “The trial with TNX-801 demonstrates our relentless pursuit of groundbreaking research that not only uplifts Kenya but also feeds into global quests to predict and tackle new infectious threats.” Spot on, right?
What’s the low-down on TNX-801, you ask? This gem is crafted as a live-attenuated vaccine linked to the horsepox virus—it’s tailored to shelter the body against mpox with finesse. It boasts a way friendlier profile compared to the conventional smallpox vaccines, formulated from vaccinia viruses.
An exciting tidbit about TNX-801 is its rugged stability at room temperature. Even without wizard-level medical gear, it can be administered with ease. This makes it a frontrunner for sweeping vaccination drives, especially in places where resources are scarcer than a hen’s teeth.
Beneath this venture’s shiny surface, Tonix Pharmaceuticals plays the role of sponsor while KEMRI takes the reins in leading the trial. Seth Lederman, Tonix’s CEO, sounded hopeful about this partnership: “With mpox’s pesky spread and the rattling global health worries, having a rock-solid, one-and-done vaccine like TNX-801 is no longer just a dream—it’s a pressing need.” Preach, Seth!
Snippets from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention roll out some eye-opening stats. Mpox cases on the continent have skyrocketed by an incredible 545% in 2024 alone, leaving last year’s numbers biting the dust. This crisis has hit Central Africa the hardest, swallowing up a jaw-dropping 85.8% of reported cases, and racking up 99.4% of deaths related to the outbreak. Staggering stuff.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization isn’t taking this sitting down. With the recent spike in mpox cases across Africa, they’ve slapped a Public Health Emergency of International Concern label on this epidemic as of August. The alert is a clarion call to fast-track response efforts to keep the wave in check.
In the grand tapestry of global health, KEMRI’s expansive trial and collaboration with Tonix Pharmaceuticals represent a sliver of hope and innovation. Their work involves more than just creating a vaccine. It’s about crafting a shield against a virulent foe, leaving a mark on the battle against mpox, both at home in Africa and beyond. The journey is tricky, but the potential rewards—a world with reduced mpox pronouncements—are irresistibly worth the gamble.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
