First mpox vaccine candidate begins trials

China's first mpox vaccine candidate has begun Phase I clinical trials, the Shanghai Institute of Biological Products Co said on Tuesday.

Medical experts said the vaccine could play a crucial role in preventing and controlling mpox in China and beyond.

The company, a subsidiary of China National Biotec Group, said trials of the MVA strain mpox attenuated live vaccine are underway at Henan Infectious Diseases Hospital in Zhengzhou, Henan province.