Emergent BioSolutions and PANTHER Announce Agreement to Support the Continuation of the Africa CDC-led MpOx Study in Africa
MWN-AI** Summary
Emergent BioSolutions and PANTHER have announced a collaboration to provide financial support for the continuation of the Africa CDC-led 'MpOx Study in Africa' (MOSA). This initiative aims to explore potential treatments for mpox, a virus lacking a dedicated antiviral therapy. MOSA, launched in 2024, is a double-blind, platform-adaptive clinical trial assessing treatment options across multiple countries in Africa. Initially funded by the European Union and the Africa CDC, the study has reached significant milestones, with an independent data and safety monitoring board recommending its continuation after reviewing safety data from the first 50 randomized patients.
Dr. Simon Lowry, chief medical officer at Emergent, emphasized their commitment to collaborating with global research partners to tackle health threats, applauding the joint efforts in advancing the trial. As MOSA progresses, plans are in place to expand to additional countries, including Uganda, in order to reach new milestones in patient enrollment.
Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya highlighted the study's importance in generating critical evidence for mpox treatment and enhancing Africa's preparedness for health threats. Since early 2024, the continent has reported over 61,383 confirmed mpox cases and 296 deaths across 32 nations, with various clades, including Clade I and Clade II, identified.
Emergent BioSolutions has a long-standing mission focused on protecting public health through life-saving solutions for threats like mpox, Ebola, and opioid overdoses. PANTHER, as an African-led pandemic preparedness platform, aims to strengthen regional responses to emerging infectious diseases. Together, these organizations are committed to advancing research and improving health outcomes across Africa and beyond.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) is currently poised for significant momentum as it enters a collaboration agreement with PANTHER to support the Africa CDC-led MpOx Study. This initiative is critical in advancing research for effective treatments for mpox, a viral disease currently without a dedicated antiviral therapy. With over 61,000 confirmed cases reported across 32 African countries since early 2024, the urgency for therapeutic options in managing mpox cannot be understated.
The ongoing MOSA trial, with its adaptive design and independent monitoring board, assures investors of its integrity and safety. The DSMB's recommendation to continue the trial without safety concerns is encouraging. As the study expands into new locations, including Uganda, and ramps up patient enrollment, the potential for innovative treatment pathways increases, likely translating into future growth opportunities for Emergent.
From a financial perspective, Emergent’s collaboration with a reputable entity like PANTHER, backed by the European Union's funding, strengthens its position in the biotechnology landscape. With an established history in delivering health solutions against various health threats, the company remains an integral player as global health challenges intensify.
Investors should consider monitoring the company's stock, focusing on upcoming milestones related to the MOSA trial's data releases and partnerships. As public and private interest in pandemic preparedness heightens, Emergent is strategically aligned with global health priorities, which could enhance its market valuation in the coming quarters. Overall, Emergent BioSolutions presents a compelling opportunity for those interested in investing in healthcare innovation within the context of pressing global health crises.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
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
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
FAQ**
How is Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS) leveraging its expertise in public health to support the MpOx Study in Africa and what implications could this have for future health initiatives in Gaithersburg, Md.?
With the collaboration between Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS) and PANTHER, what potential developments in mpox treatment could arise that might impact global health, particularly in cities like Paris?
What role does the Africa CDC play in the success of the MpOx Study, and how might Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS) influence the outcomes of this study to benefit regions like Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?
As more countries join the MOSA trial, what challenges might Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS) and PANTHER face in ensuring effective treatment access across Africa, especially for urban areas such as Gaithersburg, Md., and Paris?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Emergent Biosolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS).
NASDAQ: EBS
EBS Trading
-0.06% G/L:
$8.065 Last:
212,002 Volume:
$8.23 Open:
