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Three mRNA vaccines developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation (Sinopharm) can provide effective protection against monkeypox, the latest study showed.

The study involved three mRNA vaccines that completely protect mice from a lethal dose of vaccinia virus (VACV) challenge, according to a report published by Nature Communications on Saturday.

The results suggest that the vaccines enhance immunogenicity and can be a viable alternative to current whole-virus vaccines to defend against monkeypox, the report said. The study also demonstrated the superiority of mRNA vaccines.

While the study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of mRNA vaccines against monkeypox, it also noted that there are some limitations, but there will be further experiments to address these limitations and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential of mRNA vaccines against monkeypox.
The number of monkeypox infections continued to rise in August in China with a total of 501 cases being reported, among which five were female. It was the first time that monkeypox infections of females had been reported in China.

The number was 106 in June and 491 in July. The Chinese national health authority has enhanced management of monkeypox infections, putting them under Class-B-infection management - the same level as COVID-19 - since September 20.

It is inevitable that the virus will spread to females and it is possible family transmission could occur in the future, Li Tongzeng, director of the infectious diseases department at Beijing You'an Hospital, told the media.

The virus is mainly transmitted through direct contact with skin or mucous membranes, according to the Chinese national health authorities. By promptly identifying infected cases and isolating and treating them in a timely manner, the transmission of monkeypox can be avoided and it can ultimately be brought under control, the authorities said.

Global Times