Pharma companies initiate discussions with Centre for development of monkeypox vaccine

In India Several pharma companies have initiated discussions with the Centre for the development of a potential vaccine against monkeypox, said sources on Wednesday.

"The vaccine against monkeypox is under discussion with various vaccine manufacturing companies, but it is a very early stage for any such decisions. If it is required then we have potential manufacturers. If it is required in future then options will be explored," sources told ANI.

One of the vaccine manufacturing companies said there is no such next-generation vaccine specifically for monkeypox and the virus has also been mutated. "In future, there will be a requirement for the vaccine if cases rise," the company said.

India has reported four cases of monkeypox so far. The three cases are from Kerala while one is from Delhi. In an interview with ANI, Dr VK Paul, Member, Niti Aayog said that India is fully prepared against the disease and there is no need to panic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday declared monkeypox a global health emergency.