Africa CDC partners with PANTHER to advance Mpox treatment research

GERMANY—The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in partnership with PANTHER, has announced a major milestone in the fight against Mpox with its first direct contribution to the Mpox Study in Africa (MOSA).

This initiative revealed at the World Health Summit in Berlin, includes an ambitious clinical trial to advance Mpox treatment research across the African continent.

Since Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on August 13, 2024, the virus has become a serious health threat, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, patients with mucosal lesions, and individuals with HIV.

Yet, despite this urgency, there is still no approved treatment for Mpox to alleviate symptoms or prevent severe complications.

The MOSA trial, a pan-African randomized platform adaptive study, exemplifies Africa’s leadership in addressing this critical health challenge.

The study will initially test the safety and effectiveness of brincidofovir, an antiviral produced by Emergent BioSolutions, a global life sciences company.

Currently approved for smallpox in the United States, brincidofovir has received emergency Investigational New Drug (IND) status for Mpox. However, it has yet to undergo placebo-controlled, double-blind trials for this disease.

 The trial is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries. 

Africa CDC and PANTHER expressed gratitude to Emergent for donating the study drug and a placebo, a critical gesture that will allow the trial to progress.

During the announcement, Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized that Africa’s role goes beyond merely responding to the Mpox outbreak; the continent is actively spearheading efforts to develop solutions by leading research into Mpox therapeutics.

Dr. Kaseya described the MOSA study as a groundbreaking step towards creating an effective treatment for Mpox, highlighting that this effort reflects African ownership and leadership in addressing the continent’s unique health challenges.

Sponsored by PANTHER, a leading Africa CDC partner in health research, the MOSA trial benefits from initial funding provided by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program.

In 2023, the African Vaccine Regulatory Forum (AVAREF) thoroughly reviewed the study protocol, ensuring it meets the highest standards for ethical and scientific research.

The study’s adaptive design includes planned interim analyses, allowing for rapid adjustments if early results suggest futility or success, making the trial both flexible and responsive to emerging data.

Adding to the importance of this effort, Prof. Samba Ousmane Sow, Director General of Mali’s Centre for Vaccine Development (CVD-Mali) and President of PANTHER’s Board, noted that the MOSA launch marks a major step forward in the global fight against Mpox.

He further emphasized that their partnership with Africa CDC not only addresses a pressing health issue but also sets a new benchmark for research led by African institutions.

As Mpox cases continue to rise in the DRC and across Africa, MOSA aims to provide critical data on potential treatments, with a particular focus on individuals at high risk of severe outcomes, including those in remote areas.

The study will include both children and adults, reflecting a broad commitment to finding an effective solution for those most affected by Mpox.

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