GeoVax Calls for Urgent U.S. Action on Pandemic Preparedness Amid Global Health Threats

GeoVax Labs, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has issued a stark warning about the urgent need for the United States to enhance its pandemic preparedness and biodefense capabilities. With the global spread of Mpox and the emergence of immune-evasive COVID-19 variants, the company highlights the fragility of the current supply chains and the reliance on foreign vaccine suppliers. David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax, pointed out the increasing risks posed by these health threats and the necessity for modern, American-made solutions to safeguard public health.

The company's vaccine platform, based on Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA), includes two key candidates: GEO-MVA for Mpox and smallpox, and GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine aimed at providing robust protection for immunocompromised individuals. These candidates are backed by Phase 2 clinical data and have received favorable guidance from the European Medicines Agency, underscoring their potential in addressing current and future health crises.

Recent developments, such as the spread of Clade I Mpox outbreaks to multiple continents and the dominance of the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, have further highlighted the gaps in the U.S. biodefense strategy. The reliance on a single foreign supplier for Mpox/smallpox vaccines and the low uptake of mRNA vaccines among vulnerable populations underscore the need for a diversified and domestically produced vaccine stockpile.

Bipartisan support is growing for measures to reduce foreign dependency and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities. GeoVax aligns with the priorities of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), advocating for swift government action to fund and procure U.S.-based vaccine solutions before the next health emergency arises.

The call to action by GeoVax comes at a critical time when more than 120 nations have signed the new WHO Pandemic Agreement, signaling a global recognition of the need for coordinated pandemic response efforts. However, without significant investment in domestic vaccine production and a diversified stockpile, the U.S. risks falling short in its preparedness for future health crises.