The global mpox outbreak has reached critical levels in 2025, with Clade 1b demonstrating higher transmissibility and severity compared to previous variants. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the epicenter, reporting over 60,000 suspected cases and 1,300 deaths in 2024 alone.
The virus has now expanded beyond Africa, with confirmed cases in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The U.S. has specifically identified four Clade 1b cases across California, Georgia, New Hampshire, and New York, raising significant containment concerns.
Current vaccination efforts are severely constrained by an inadequate supply chain that relies predominantly on a single non-U.S. manufacturer. Challenges include substantial delays in vaccine distribution, high production costs, and limited manufacturing capacity. These issues are particularly pronounced in Africa, where vaccine stockpiles remain largely unused due to complex logistical and political barriers.
In response to these challenges, GeoVax is advancing its GEO-MVA mpox vaccine candidate, which is anticipated to enter clinical evaluation in the second half of 2025. The company's CEO, David Dodd, will discuss these critical developments during an upcoming webinar hosted by Tribe Public, offering insights into navigating this emerging public health emergency.
