A new mpox vaccine is being tested in the UK, as the virus continues to spread in many parts of the world. The mPower trial is testing the effectiveness of an investigational mRNA vaccine for mpox. The study is delivered by NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) and sponsored by Moderna.
Since 2022 there has been an increased transmission of mpox in the UK. Mpox is spread through physical contact with someone who is currently infected. Anyone can get mpox, but cases in the UK have so far been predominantly in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).
Mpox cases have significantly declined in the UK thanks to public health measures including the rapid rollout of vaccines by the NHS and sexual health services and a campaign geared towards mpox awareness and behavioural change. But the virus has continued to spread and remains a public health threat globally. In the UK and Europe there is only one vaccine licensed for immunisation against mpox. More are needed.
Researchers from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust are currently recruiting volunteers to the study, with plans to complete enrolment in April.
The mPower Trial is being undertaken as part of the Moderna-UK Strategic Partnership. This partnership is bringing mRNA vaccine manufacturing to the UK and building resilience to future health emergencies.
Dr Matthew Hallsworth, NIHR Director of Strategic Partnerships, said: “We’re really pleased that Moderna has chosen to run its mpox trial in the UK. This demonstrates our strength in clinical research. Our partnership with Moderna ensures UK research is at the cutting edge of new vaccine technologies with the potential to protect against global health threats such as mpox and future pandemics. We hope that recruitment to this trial will be as successful as the Covid-19 vaccine trials that were run in the UK and we encourage the public to help out where they can - whether that’s by volunteering or encouraging others.”
Under the 10-year partnership with the government, Moderna has also committed substantial investment to research and development. This includes running a large number of clinical trials, such as this one, in the UK.