A new and concerning version of mpox, known as Clade I, has emerged, posing a significant public health challenge. This strain, originating in Africa, has been characterized as more transmissible and severe than the Clade II strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak.
Authorities across the globe are swiftly taking action to address the growing threat. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has raised its risk assessment for mpox, anticipating an increase in imported cases following the confirmation of Clade I in Sweden. Pakistan is actively conducting sequencing on a suspected case to determine if it involves the new strain. China’s customs administration has announced a six-month monitoring plan for mpox in incoming individuals and goods.
The severity of the situation is underscored by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ongoing mpox outbreak, driven by Clade I. This outbreak has seen significant transmission, including household and sexual contact, with 70% of cases impacting children under 15 years old.
Beyond Africa, the global impact is evident. The World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency last week, acknowledging the potential for widespread dissemination across the continent and beyond. The organization is collaborating with nations and pharmaceutical companies to facilitate vaccine donations.
While both Clade I and Clade II mpox share similar symptoms, including flu-like illness and a rash resembling pimples or blisters, Clade I is distinguished by its increased transmissibility and severity.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has alerted doctors to be vigilant for the new strain, emphasizing that the risk to the general public remains low. Currently, two vaccines – Jynneos (Bavarian Nordic) and LC16 (KM Biologics) – have received emergency authorizations. Bavarian Nordic has sought an expansion of Jynneos’ use for individuals aged 12-17, a demographic considered especially vulnerable to Clade I.
The NIH has conducted research on tecovirimat, a smallpox antiviral drug manufactured by SIGA Technologies. However, this study indicated that tecovirimat did not effectively shorten the duration of mpox lesions in children and adults with Clade I mpox in the DRC.
The evolving situation has prompted significant market activity. Bavarian Nordic’s stock experienced a decline of 1.79%, while SIGA Technologies saw a decrease of 0.29% during early Monday trading. Among exchange-traded funds focusing on the healthcare sector, Amplify Treatments, Testing and Advancements ETF (GERM) decreased by 0.35%, Roundhill Acquirers Deep Value ETF (ARCA: DEEP) gained 0.62%, Invesco NASDAQ Future Gen 200 ETF (QQQS) rose by 0.80%, VictoryShares Small Cap Free Cash Flow ETF (SFLO) increased by 0.93%, and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) climbed by 0.46%.
