Mpox Vaccine Shortage as Africa's Outbreak Intensifies

Rich nations have millions of mpox vaccine doses while Africa faces severe shortages amid a growing outbreak. Moderna projects lower future sales, and Neurocrine halts a schizophrenia drug. Morocco confirms its first mpox case and the Africa CDC aims to raise $600 million for response efforts.

Rich nations have millions of mpox vaccine doses while Africa faces severe shortages amid a growing outbreak. Countries like Japan, the U.S., and Canada have stockpiled these vaccines for years, initially intended for potential smallpox threats. Now, these vaccines are in dire need in Africa, where donated doses far short of what is required.

In other news, Moderna has forecasted lower sales for 2025, propelling its stock closer to a four-year low. Neurocrine Biosciences announced the halting of its experimental schizophrenia drug due to a failed mid-stage trial. On the continent, Morocco reported its first case of mpox, and the Africa CDC aims to raise $600 million to combat the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Bavarian Nordic eyes an increase in mpox vaccine production capacity, and British drugmaker GSK moves forward with late-stage trials of its mRNA flu vaccine. Roche shares, however, took a hit amid concerns over side effects in an obesity pill trial.

(With inputs from agencies.)