Aspen Pharmacare, Africa’s preeminent drug manufacturer, is actively engaged in discussions with prospective partners to produce mpox vaccines at its state-of-the-art facilities, according to Chief Executive Officer Stephen Saad. This development comes as the African continent grapples with a burgeoning outbreak of the disease, which the World Health Organization (WHO) recently escalated to the status of a global health emergency.
Mpox, once a rare zoonotic viral infection primarily confined to Central Africa, has seen a disturbing resurgence. The latest strain, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has begun to spread alarmingly to neighbouring nations, prompting international concern. Data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) indicate that over 22,800 cases have been reported across 13 African countries this year alone, with a tragic death toll reaching 622.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Saad confirmed that Aspen is “speaking to people” regarding the production of the vaccine, although he refrained from disclosing the identities of the involved entities. He expressed confidence in Aspen’s “capacity and capability” to manufacture the mpox vaccine, a critical requirement as the continent faces mounting pressure to control the outbreak.
Aspen’s strategic pivot towards mpox vaccine production is, however, underpinned by two crucial preconditions. Saad underscored the need for a firm commitment to substantial volume orders, cautioning against a repeat of the missteps during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the company found itself with excess capacity due to a lack of demand for its vaccines. “We need to know that we have a commitment to volumes, regardless,” Saad stated emphatically. “We can’t be told that we’re going to get a billion [orders] and then it becomes nothing.”
Moreover, Saad highlighted the financial implications of transferring the vaccine production technology into Aspen’s facilities, a process that entails significant expenditure. “It costs money to transfer these products into a facility, so we will do it if someone pays for the tech transfer,” he added, laying bare the financial considerations that will dictate Aspen’s foray into mpox vaccine manufacturing.
Mpox, while generally mild, can have fatal consequences in rare instances. The disease presents with flu-like symptoms and characteristic pus-filled lesions on the body, spreading primarily through close contact. As the virus continues its relentless advance, the urgency for a robust vaccine production strategy in Africa has never been greater.
Aspen’s proactive engagement in this endeavour could prove pivotal, not just in addressing the current crisis, but in reshaping Africa’s vaccine production landscape. However, the success of this initiative will hinge on the ability to secure guaranteed demand and the necessary funding for technology transfer, both of which remain unresolved.
As the negotiations progress, the outcome will be closely watched, with implications that could reverberate far beyond Africa’s borders.
