GAITHERSBURG, Md. PARIS, Addis Ababa, January 8, 2025 – Emergent BioSolutions has announced a collaboration agreement with PANTHER to provide additional financial support to continue progressing the Africa CDC-led ‘MpOx Study in Africa’ (MOSA). This initiative aims to advance research into effective treatments for patients diagnosed with mpox, a virus for which there is currently no dedicated antiviral therapy.
Launched in 2024, MOSA is a double-blind, platform-adaptive clinical trial designed to evaluate potential treatment options for mpox across multiple African countries. The study initially received funding from the European Union and Africa CDC, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) being a major area of focus.
An independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) completed its initial review of MOSA safety data in December 2025, after the first 50 patients were randomised, and recommended continuing the trial, with no safety concerns identified.
“We applaud Africa CDC, the DRC investigators, and PANTHER for their efforts in reaching this important milestone and are proud to support the advancement of the MOSA trial,” said Simon Lowry, M.D., chief medical officer, head of research and development, Emergent. “Emergent is committed to collaborating with research partners around the world to study medications that address global health threats.”
As the study continues, Africa CDC and PANTHER intend to extend the study to new countries, including a site in Uganda, and enrol patients to reach the next milestone.
“This study represents a critical step in generating evidence to inform mpox treatment and strengthen Africa’s capacity to respond to emerging health threats,” said Africa CDC Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya. “Africa CDC will continue working closely with partners whose collaboration and support are essential in advancing research and improving preparedness across the continent.”
Since the beginning of 2024, the continent has reported more than 61,383 confirmed cases and 296 deaths across 32 countries, according to Africa CDC. Africa has both major mpox clades, Clade I, which is endemic to Central Africa and causes more severe illness, and Clade II, which is more prevalent in West Africa, while recent outbreaks have featured subclades like Clade Ia, Ib and Clade IIa and IIb.
About Emergent BioSolutions
Emergent’s mission is to protect and save lives. For over 25 years, it has been at work preparing those entrusted with protecting public health. The organization delivers protective and life-saving solutions for health threats like smallpox, mpox, botulism, Ebola, anthrax and opioid overdose emergencies. To learn more about how Emergency helps prepare communities around the world for today’s health challenges and tomorrow’s threats, visit their website and follow them on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
About the Pandemic Preparedness Platform for Health and Emerging Infections Response (PANTHER)
PANTHER is an African-led pandemic preparedness platform for health and emerging infection response. Bringing together leading African and global researchers and public health teams, it aims to create regional hubs and clinical research platforms to support preparedness and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases globally, particularly in Africa. For more information, visit https://pantherhealth.org.
PANTHER is sponsoring MOSA as part of the MPX-RESPONSE Project that has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme under grant agreement 101115188.
About Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: Africa CDC and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Investor Contact:
Richard S. Lindahl
Executive Vice President, CFO, Emergent
lindahlr@ebsi.com
Media Contacts:
Assal Hellmer
Vice President, Communications, Emergent
mediarelations@ebsi.com
Jessica Ilunga
Communications Officer, PANTHER
media@pantherhealth.org
Margaret Edwin
Director of Communication and Public Information Africa CDC
EdwinM@africacdc.org