Yesterday BIVDA and Innovate UK brought together senior figures from industry, government, and academia to discuss how diagnostics would play a part in an Mpox pandemic.
Commissioned by DHSC’s Chief Scientific Advisor and CEO of NIHR, Prof. Lucy Chappell, the group discussed the current and future status of Mpox , available diagnostic solutions, and enablers for pandemic preparedness. With expert speakers including David Ulaeto (DSTL), Richard Vipond (UKHSA) and BIVDA’s Dr Jayne Ellis, the group will look to create a playbook for a diagnostic solution.
Key takeaways included the need for more sensitive home or community-based testing, the requirement for tests to discriminate between Mpox and chicken pox in children, and leveraging the UK’s recent pandemic experience.
We will be collating the findings of the workshop and sharing with attendees. If you have an interest in Mpox or wish to discuss this more, please contact BIVDA.
