Bavarian Nordic Seals Major EU Vaccine Deal

Bavarian Nordic has secured a new contract with the European Commission to supply up to eight million doses of its smallpox and mpox vaccine over four years. The deal replaces a 2022 agreement, with provisions for donations to low-income countries. The value of the contract remains undisclosed.

Bavarian Nordic announced on Friday a strategic contract with the European Commission, enabling the purchase of up to eight million doses of its smallpox and mpox vaccine by countries across Europe over the next four years. The arrangement succeeds a 2022 agreement, having already committed 1.1 million doses, with 750,000 set for delivery in 2026. Additionally, the contract includes provisions for vaccine donations to low-income countries at adjusted prices, according to the Danish biotech company.

Paul Chaplin, CEO of Bavarian Nordic, stated, "This agreement is a recognition of public health security as part of the resilience that the EU is building to unify against threats on a larger scale." While mpox is usually mild, it can spread through close contact and is sometimes fatal. It tends to cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions.

Beyond the EU member states, the procurement agreement extends to countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Western Balkans. Though the contract's value has not been disclosed, Bavarian Nordic, a major supplier to public health programs, continues its legacy of providing smallpox vaccines for preparatory stockpiling by nations like Japan, the US, and Canada.

(With inputs from agencies.)