OrthopoxVac

OrthopoxVac is a fourth-generation, live-attenuated recombinant vaccine designed to provide protection against orthopoxvirus infections, including smallpox and mpox (monkeypox). Developed by the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR in Russia, the vaccine is based on a genetically modified vaccinia virus (L-IVP strain) in which six virulence-associated genes have been deleted. This genetic engineering approach, referred to as the VACDelta6 construct, aims to significantly reduce the reactogenicity and improve the safety profile compared to earlier generations of smallpox vaccines while maintaining robust immunogenicity. The vaccine induces both humoral and cellular immune responses, providing cross-protection against various members of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It was approved in Russia in late 2022 as a safer alternative for the prevention of smallpox and related viral threats.

Brand names

OrthopoxVac

Other names

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccine (recombinant live)VACDelta6VACDelta-6VACDelta 6