Emergent BioSolutions and PANTHER Step Up Support for Africa CDC Mpox Treatment Trial
Emergent BioSolutions has entered into a new collaboration agreement with the PANTHER consortium to provide additional financial support for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)-led Mpox Study in Africa (MOSA), a major clinical trial aimed at identifying effective treatments for mpox.
Launched in 2024, MOSA is a double-blind, platform-adaptive clinical trial designed to assess potential therapeutic options for patients diagnosed with mpox, a viral disease for which no dedicated antiviral treatment currently exists. The study is being implemented across several African countries, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) serving as a key focus area due to its high disease burden.
The trial was initially funded by the European Union in partnership with Africa CDC. In December 2025, an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) completed its first safety review after the randomisation of the initial 50 patients. The board found no safety concerns and recommended that the study continue as planned.
Commenting on the milestone, Emergent BioSolutions’ Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development, Dr Simon Lowry, said the company was proud to support the next phase of the trial.
“We applaud Africa CDC, the DRC investigators and PANTHER for reaching this important milestone,” Dr Lowry said. “Emergent is committed to working with global research partners to advance studies that address serious public health threats.”
Africa CDC and PANTHER have indicated that the study will now be expanded to additional countries, including the establishment of a new study site in Uganda, as patient enrolment continues towards the next phase.
Africa CDC Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya, described the study as a critical step in strengthening the continent’s preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases.
“This study represents an important opportunity to generate evidence that will guide mpox treatment and reinforce Africa’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies,” Dr Kaseya said. “Africa CDC remains committed to working closely with partners whose support is vital to advancing research and preparedness across the continent.”
According to Africa CDC, more than 61,000 confirmed mpox cases and nearly 300 deaths have been reported across 32 African countries since early 2024. The continent continues to experience multiple mpox clades, including Clade I, which is endemic to Central Africa and associated with more severe illness, and Clade II, more commonly found in West Africa. Recent outbreaks have also involved sub-clades such as Clade Ia, Ib, IIa and IIb.
Health experts say the MOSA trial could play a pivotal role in improving clinical management of mpox and strengthening Africa’s evidence-based response to future outbreaks.
