Letter to Bavarian Nordic Urging Equitable Access
Paul Chaplin
Bavarian Nordic A/S
Philip Heymans Alle 3
DK-2900 Hellerup
Denmark
September 12, 2022
Dear Mr. Chaplin,
The monkeypox outbreak is causing new waves of illness and suffering around the world. We are writing to urge you to step up in the global fight against this virus by allocating more Jynneos (MVA-BN) doses at not-for-profit prices to low-and-middle income countries.
In August, we found staggering inequalities in Jynneos access. Based on public records, we estimated that the U.S. had less than 40 percent of global monkeypox cases, but nearly 80 percent of the global supply.[1] No doses were available yet in Brazil, even as the country reported nearly one in ten cases globally. No orders had been secured by African countries.
We are concerned that Jynneos pricing is posing a barrier to access. You recently told investors that there is only one price for the vaccine.[2] “We use the same approach for everyone.” Discounts are only available for bulk purchases, and long-term commitments.
This is shocking given the exorbitant prices high-income countries are paying for Jynneos. For example, Canada awarded a $56.25 million contract for the delivery of 500,000 doses—a price of roughly $110 per dose.[3] This price will keep Jynneos out of reach for many developing countries.
We urge you to reconsider your approach and adopt a more public health-oriented strategy. This should include allocating more doses to LMICs using a not-for-profit pricing approach, publishing delivery schedules, and sharing technology with developing country manufacturers to expand affordable supply. That is the fastest way to get the outbreak under control around the world.
Sincerely,
Peter Maybarduk
Director, Access to Medicines Program
Public Citizen
[1] https://www.citizen.org/article/monkeypox-vaccine-shortage/
[2] Bavarian Nordic A/S (BVNKF) CEO Paul Chaplin on Q2 2022 Results – Earnings Call Transcript | Seeking Alpha
[3] USD. https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/award-notice/PW-PH-893-81160-001 and https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/tender-notice/PW-PH-893-81160 (“The estimated quantity for the firm delivery is 500,000 single dose vials, with 250,000 single dose vials in optional quantities.”)