U.S. Spends $113 Million for Oral Mpox Smallpox Treatment

The U.S. government recently exercised a procurement option to enhance orthopoxvirus preparedness against mpox and smallpox outbreaks.

On July 19, 2024, SIGA Technologies, Inc. announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ordered the delivery of approximately $113 million of oral TPOXX® (tecovirimat) treatment courses.

“Building on the orders received in 2023 from the U.S. government and 15 international customers, this $113 million order from the U.S. government will enhance orthopoxvirus preparedness and support sizable and consistent action when needed to help ensure public health from natural, accidental, or intentional threats,” said Diem Nguyen, Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. 

TPOXX is an antiviral medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (July 2018) specifically for treating smallpox disease in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 13 kg. 

Following U.S. approval, Health Canada also authorized TPOXX for the treatment of mpox and smallpox and authorized in Europe and the UK to treat smallpox, mpox, cowpox, and vaccinia complications.

As of July 22, 2024, mpox vaccines were also approved by the U.S. FDA and are available in the United States, Canada, and various countries.