Bavarian Nordic has received a $63m contract from the US government to produce further bulk product and final freeze-dried doses of the JYNNEOS smallpox/mpox vaccine.

The order, received from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, aims to replenish the bulk product inventory and support the manufacture of one million vaccine doses.

The bulk product, which constitutes the majority of the contract’s value, is essential to restocking the inventory depleted during the 2022 mpox outbreak response.

Replenishment is vital to meet the terms of Bavarian Nordic's existing contract, which includes the supply of a freeze-dried version of the vaccine for US smallpox preparedness.

The deal will facilitate the production of one million freeze-dried vaccines utilising portions of the bulk inventory.

Although the bulk of the vaccine is scheduled for manufacture in 2025, with international orders in mind to address the ongoing mpox outbreak, the delivery of the freeze-dried doses is set for 2026.

Bavarian Nordic president and CEO Paul Chaplin stated: “This award further strengthens the orders for the public preparedness business for 2025 and beyond and is yet another resounding endorsement of MVA-BN as the leading smallpox/mpox vaccine.

“While the current mpox outbreak is a reminder of how vulnerable the international community remains to infectious diseases, we are dedicated to assist all governments and organisations, not only in the current public health emergency but beyond to ensure the equitable access to our smallpox/mpox vaccine.”

Marketed as JYNNEO, the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) non-replicating mpox vaccine is approved in Canada, the European Union, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

Initially developed as a smallpox vaccine in partnership with the US government, MVA-BN was designed to ensure the vaccine supply suitable for the entire population, including those who are immunocompromised and advised against traditional replicating smallpox vaccines.

The latest development comes after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the use of Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine in adolescents, increasing the chances for its use in this age group in Africa.

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization recently entered an advance purchase agreement with Bavarian Nordic to secure 500,000 doses of the mpox vaccine.