Emergent BioSolutions and PANTHER Announce Agreement to Support the Continuation of the Africa CDC-led MpOx Study in Africa
GAITHERSBURG, Md. and PARIS and ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE:EBS) 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.
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 continuation of the trial, with no safety concerns identified.
"We applaud Africa CDC, the Democratic Republic of Congo 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 enroll 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; recent outbreaks have featured subclades like Clade Ia, Ib, and Clade IIa and IIb.
About Emergent BioSolutions
At Emergent, our mission is to protect and save lives. For over 25 years, we've been at work preparing those entrusted with protecting public health. We deliver protective and life-saving solutions for health threats like smallpox, mpox, botulism, Ebola, anthrax, and opioid overdose emergencies. To learn more about how we help prepare communities around the world for today's health challenges and tomorrow's threats, visit our website and follow us 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
[email protected]
Media Contacts:
Assal Hellmer
Vice President, Communications, Emergent
[email protected]
Jessica Ilunga
Communications Officer, PANTHER
[email protected]
Margaret Edwin
Director of Communication and Public Information Africa CDC
[email protected]
