India plans to develop Mpox vaccine by end of 2024
The largest Indian vaccine developer, Serum Institute of India (SII), is busy creating a vaccine against the mpox virus, and it is expected to be ready by the end of 2024, TASS reports
The Economic Times newspaper quotes SII Director Adar Poonawalla as saying, “In view of the global health emergency declared due to the mpox outbreak, SII is working on developing a vaccine for this disease to cater to millions of lives that might be at risk. Hopefully, we will have more updates and positive news to share within a year's time.”
According to the publication, the National Institute of Virology in the Indian city of Pune has become the leading medical facility in the country, where mpox samples are being tested since 2022, when 30 cases of the infection were recorded in the country.
Earlier, the Indian Government ordered increased vigilance at the country's borders due to the risk of spreading mpox. All incoming foreigners are being monitored for possible symptoms of the disease at airports, seaports, on the border with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
