Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic illness triggered by the monkeypox virus, an orthopoxvirus akin to the eradicated variola virus responsible for smallpox. Our offerings include a wide range of specialized services designed to support the advancement of vaccines and therapeutics for monkeypox, addressing the urgent need for effective solutions in combating this infectious disease.
Introduction to Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a severe viral infection instigated by the Monkeypox virus, belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Traced back to its initial discovery in monkeys in 1958, this disease is predominantly transmitted to humans via contact with infected animals or tainted materials. Though historically localized to certain regions in Africa, the recent worldwide outbreak underscores the imperative for holistic approaches to address this escalating public health concern.
The Monkeypox virus can be divided into two distinct lineages - the West African strain and the Central African (Congo Basin) strain. While both can cause human infection, the Central African strain is generally associated with more severe disease, with a case fatality rate ranging from 1-10% compared to 1-5% for the West African strain.
Fig.1 Mechanisms of systemic spread of monkeypox virus and their relationship to transmission routes. (Mitjà O., et al., 2023)
Vaccine Development for Monkeypox
As the Monkeypox virus is closely related to the Variola virus that causes smallpox, researchers have leveraged the cross-reactivity between orthopoxviruses to develop effective vaccine strategies. The three main types of Monkeypox vaccines are:
First-generation Smallpox Vaccines
First-generation smallpox vaccines, such as the historic Dryvax vaccine, have demonstrated a high degree of protection against Monkeypox in various animal studies. These replicating vaccinia virus-based vaccines were able to provide complete or near-complete protection in non-human primate models when challenged with Monkeypox virus.
Second-generation Smallpox Vaccines
In response to safety issues with initial vaccines, the development of second-generation smallpox vaccines like ACAM2000 emerged. These advanced vaccines, also utilizing the replicating vaccinia virus platform, have been specifically engineered to demonstrate decreased neurovirulence.
Third-generation Smallpox Vaccines
The latest advancements in Monkeypox vaccine development have led to the emergence of third-generation vaccines, which utilize attenuated or non-replicating vaccinia virus strains. The JYNNEOS vaccine, based on the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) strain, is a prominent example of a third-generation vaccine.
Therapeutics Development for Monkeypox
Antiviral Therapies
Tecovirimat, marketed as TPOXX, is an antiviral drug that inhibits the orthopoxvirus VP37 protein, essential for viral maturation and release. It has been approved for the treatment of smallpox and is being considered for monkeypox treatment based on its efficacy in animal models.
Brincidofovir, an oral medication, and its intravenous counterpart, cidofovir, are nucleotide analogs that inhibit viral DNA polymerase. These drugs have shown promise in preclinical studies against orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox.
Immunotherapies
Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous (VIGIV) is a passive immunotherapy option derived from human plasma containing high levels of antibodies against vaccinia virus. While primarily used for complications from smallpox vaccination, its potential use in monkeypox is under consideration.
Our Services
At our company, we are committed to advancing the fight against Monkeypox through our comprehensive vaccine and therapeutic development services. Our team of experienced scientists and researchers leverages the latest scientific advancements to design, evaluate, and optimize innovative solutions to tackle this emerging challenge.
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Disease Models
- MPXV Infection CAST/EiJ Mice Models
- West African (WA) or Congo Basin (CB) MPXV Strains Infection Prairie Dog Models
- CB MPXV Strains Infection Rope Squirrel Models
- MPXV Infection NHP Models
We employ state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, and advanced imaging, to provide in-depth characterization and evaluation of Monkeypox-related samples and test articles. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Mitjà, Oriol, et al. "Monkeypox." The Lancet 401.10370 (2023): 60-74.
- Rizk, John G., et al. "Prevention and treatment of monkeypox." Drugs 82.9 (2022): 957-963.
- Poland, Gregory A., Richard B. Kennedy, and Pritish K. Tosh. "Prevention of monkeypox with vaccines: a rapid review." The Lancet Infectious Diseases 22.12 (2022): e349-e358.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
