Emergent BioSolutions (EBS) and PANTHER Partner to Enhance MpOx Study in Africa
On January 8, 2026, Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) announced a new collaboration agreement with PANTHER aimed at bolstering the financing and execution of the Africa CDC-led 'MpOx Study in Africa' (MOSA). This partnership seeks to advance research into effective treatments for mpox, a virus currently lacking a dedicated antiviral therapy. Initiated in 2024, MOSA operates as a double-blind, platform-adaptive clinical trial assessing potential treatment options across various African nations.
Background of the MpOx Study
The MOSA study has garnered initial funding support from the European Union and the Africa CDC. Recently, an independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) evaluated the safety data from the initial participants. Concluding its review in December 2025, the DSMB indicated that the trial can proceed, as no safety concerns arose from the first 50 randomized patients.
Dr. Simon Lowry, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development at Emergent BioSolutions, remarked, “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.”
Future Directions for the Study
As the MOSA study continues, both Africa CDC and PANTHER plan to expand the trial into new countries, including the addition of a site in Uganda. Their goal is to enroll more patients and achieve critical next milestones in mpox treatment research.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, highlighted that “This study represents a critical step in generating evidence to inform mpox treatment and strengthen Africa’s capacity to respond to emerging health threats.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration among partners to advance research and enhance preparedness across the continent.
Mpox Impact in Africa
Since the start of 2024, Africa has documented over 61,383 confirmed cases of mpox, resulting in 296 deaths across 32 countries. There are two significant mpox clades impacting the continent:
- Clade I: Endemic to Central Africa, causing more severe illness
- Clade II: More prevalent in West Africa with recent outbreaks including subclades like Clade Ia, Ib, and Clade IIa and IIb
About Emergent BioSolutions (EBS)
Emergent BioSolutions is dedicated to protecting and saving lives by preparing entities responsible for public health. For over 25 years, the company has focused on developing life-saving solutions for various health threats, including smallpox, mpox, botulism, Ebola, and opioid overdose emergencies. To understand more about their initiatives, visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms.
About PANTHER
PANTHER is an African-led pandemic preparedness platform for health and emerging infections response, merging expertise from leading African and global researchers. This initiative aims to establish regional hubs and clinical research platforms to enhance preparedness and rapid response capabilities for emerging infectious diseases, particularly in Africa. PANTHER supports the MOSA study through the MPX-RESPONSE Project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme.
About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) serves as a public health agency of the African Union. It autonomously aids member states in strengthening health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, [and improving emergency response efficiency](https://africacdc.org).
Contact Information
Investor Contact: Richard S. Lindahl, Executive Vice President, CFO, Emergent | Email: lindahlr@ebsi.com
Media Contacts:
- Assal Hellmer, VP, 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