Bavarian Nordic gets FDA nod for Jynneos vaccine

Bavarian Nordic has received the Food and Drug Administration’s green light for Jynneos Smallpox and Monkeypox vaccine, live, non-replicating, for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox disease in adults 18 years of age and older determined to be at high risk for smallpox or monkeypox infection. This is the only currently FDA approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox disease.

"Following the global Smallpox Eradication Program, the World Health Organization certified the eradication of naturally occurring smallpox disease in 1980. Routine vaccination of the American public was stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States and, as a result, a large proportion of the United States. as well as the global population has no immunity," said Peter Marks,  director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "Therefore, although naturally occurring smallpox disease is no longer a global threat, the intentional release of this highly contagious virus could have a devastating effect. Today's approval reflects the U.S. government's commitment to preparedness through support for the development of safe and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and other medical countermeasures."

Jynneos will be available for those determined to be at high risk of either smallpox or monkeypox infection. This vaccine is also part of the Strategic National Stockpile.