BIVDA and Innovate UK bring together senior figures from industry, government, and academia to discuss diagnostics in an Mpox pandemic.
Last week, 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.
Briefed by expert speakers including David Ulaeto (Dstl), Richard Vipond (UK Health Security Agency) and BIVDA’s Dr Jayne Ellis, industry partners gained a better understanding of government needs and capacity gaps. In turn, government were able to drill into industry expertise and capabilities.
Key takeaways included the need for more sensitive home or community-based testing, the requirement for tests to discriminate between Mpox and chickenpox in children, and leveraging the UK’s recent pandemic experience.
Ultimately, the Innovate and BIVDA teams will look to create a playbook to ensure a suitable diagnostic response for any potential mpox pandemic.
If you have an interest in Mpox or wish to discuss this more, please contact BIVDA.
