The World Health Organization grants Emergency Use Listing for LC16m8, the first mpox vaccine authorized for children over age 1, to address surging outbreaks and improve vaccine access globally.

RT’s Three Key Takeaways:

  1. First Mpox Vaccine for Children: The WHO has authorized the LC16m8 vaccine for emergency use in individuals over 1 year old.
  2. Large Donation to DRC: Japan will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine and specialized needles to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the hardest-hit country, as part of a global response effort.
  3. Safe and Effective in Specific Populations: The LC16m8 vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective, including in individuals with well-controlled HIV, but is not recommended for pregnant or immunocompromised individuals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for the LC16m8 mpox vaccine, making it the second mpox vaccine to be supported by WHO—and the first for children over age 1—following the declaration of an mpox public health emergency of international concern on Aug 14.

This decision is expected to facilitate increased and timely access to vaccines in communities where mpox outbreaks are surging. In 2024, cases have been reported across 80 countries, including 19 countries in Africa, based on data as of Oct 31. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the hardest-hit country, recorded a large majority of suspected cases—over 39,000—as well as more than 1000 deaths.

The authorization is particularly relevant, according to a release from WHO, as the Government of Japan announced that it will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, along with specialized inoculation needles, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is the largest donation package announced to date in response to the current mpox emergency.  

LC16m8 is a vaccine developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan. The Technical Advisory Group for EUL of vaccines convened to discuss the outcome of the LC16m8 vaccine review, including the product and programmatic suitability assessments. The Technical Advisory Group recommended the vaccine for use in individuals over 1 year of age as a single-dose vaccine, via a multiple puncture technique using a bifurcated needle.

“WHO emergency use listing of the LC16m8 vaccine against mpox marks a significant step in our response to the current emergency, providing a new option to protect all populations, including children,” says Yukiko Nakatani, MD, PhD, WHO assistant director-general for Access to Medicines and Health Products, in a release. “Vaccines are one of the important tools to help contain the outbreak as part of a comprehensive response strategy that also includes improved testing and diagnosis, treatment and care, infection prevention control, and engagement and education within affected communities.”

WHO’s assessment for EUL is based on information submitted by the manufacturer and review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, the Japanese regulatory agency of record for this vaccine. The LC16m8 vaccine has been used in Japan during previous mpox outbreaks and was shown to be safe and effective, including in people with well-controlled HIV.

Safety Considerations and Advisory Updates

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization reviewed available evidence and recommended the use of LC16m8 vaccine in outbreak settings in children and others with a documented high risk of exposure to mpox.

However, WHO notes that minimally replicating vaccines, such as LC16m8, should not be used during pregnancy and in people who are immunocompromised. Immunocompromised persons include those with active cancer, transplant recipients, immunodeficiency, and active treatment with immunosuppressive agents. They also include people living with HIV with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells µl.

The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety reviewed the updated safety data on LC16m8 on Sept 20 and recommended that healthcare workers are provided with training on the use of bifurcated needles to prevent injuries and adverse effects. In light of the changing epidemiology and emergence of new virus strains, it remains important to collect as much data as possible on vaccine safety and effectiveness in different contexts.

On Sept 13, WHO prequalified the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic vaccine and expanded its indication to include use in individuals aged 12 years and older on Oct 8.

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