Bavarian Nordic smallpox vaccine cleared in EU

The European Commission has granted marketing authorization for Denmark-based Bavarian Nordic’ (OMX: BAVA) Imvanex (MVA-BN) for active immunization against smallpox disease for the general adult population, including people with weakened immune systems (people diagnosed with HIV or atopic dermatitis).

This is the first European approval of a novel biodefense vaccine developed through a successful public-private partnership with the US government, the company noted.

“The marketing authorization of Imvanex marks a significant milestone for our company and our MVA-BN vaccine technology platform, which now serves as the foundation for multiple candidates in our development pipeline,” said Anders Hedegaard, president and chief executive of Bavarian Nordic, adding: “We are delighted to receive our first regulatory product approval, which was supported by a strong partnership with the US government and proves that public-private enterprises can work if there is a shared vision and willingness to invest in a sustained biodefense market.”