elstree-bn

Elstree-BN is a second-generation, replicating smallpox vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic. It is derived from the Lister (Elstree) strain of the vaccinia virus, which was the primary strain used by the World Health Organization during the global smallpox eradication campaign. Unlike the non-replicating MVA-BN (Jynneos) vaccine, Elstree-BN is a replicating vaccine that produces a characteristic post-vaccinal lesion, or 'take,' which serves as a clinical indicator of successful immunization. The vaccine was produced using modern primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell culture technology, aiming to provide a more standardized and purer product compared to historical calf-lymph-derived vaccines. Development reached Phase 1 clinical trials, where it was evaluated for safety, immunogenicity, and take rate in vaccinia-naive individuals.

Other names

Bavarian Nordic Elstree vaccineLister-BN