Developing accessible and affordable tests to support mpox immunosurveillance and vaccine studies
Mpox is an ongoing threat to international health security requiring ongoing research. Antibody tests are needed for surveillance studies to understand clinical and sub-clinical transmission risks and respond to outbreaks.
Medtechtomarket was privileged to be involved in the development of a laboratory ELISA kit to aid with this research, in association with The University of Birmingham and the following individuals:
Sian E. Faustini – a Clinical Immunology Services, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
Scott Jones – b Emerging Pathogen Serology Group, Vaccine Development Evaluation and Preparedness Centre, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Wiltshire, UK
Christopher A. Green – c School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Ashley D. Otter – b Emerging Pathogen Serology Group, Vaccine Development Evaluation and Preparedness Centre, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Wiltshire, UK
Alex G. Richter – a Clinical Immunology Services, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
Jennifer L.J. Heaney – a Clinical Immunology Services, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
The outbreaks of mpox in 2022 and 2024 have proven this virus is a major threat to international health security, demanding ongoing research and development efforts. Since the start of 2022 over 140,000 cases of mpox have been reported from 133 countries, with human-to-human transmission ongoing in Africa, and travel-associated cases still being reported in various countries. [Citation1].
The assay was developed into a simple kit format, including the recombinant antigen mix dried into plates and pre-dispensed reagents, to reduce logistical barriers and facilitate shipping and use within different laboratories.
Read the full paper here – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2576581#abstract