Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health. Monkeypox primarily occurs in central and west Africa, often in proximity to tropical rainforests, and has been increasingly appearing in urban areas. Animal hosts include a range of rodents and non-human primates In May 2022, multiple cases of monkeypox were identified in several non-endemic countries. Studies are currently underway to further understand the epidemiology, sources of infection, and transmission patterns.
Currently, there is no specific treatment approved for monkeypox virus infection. However, there are antiviral medications that can be used to treat smallpox and other conditions that may help patients with monkeypox infection. Therefore, the development of therapeutics for treatment of monkeypox cases at primary health care level is a priority for preventing severity of the disease, clinical complications and on-going transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking feedback on the TPP from experts in the industry, product developers, the scientific community, national infection control programme personnel and clinicians currently involved in the management and control of Monkeypox. The TPP is intended to guide and prioritize the evaluation of repurposed therapeutic agents for Monkeypox or the development of new therapeutic agents.
Details of the TPP may be found in the linked document:
Proposed revisions arising from the public consultation will be considered by the TPP working group before it is finalized. The final TPP will be used for the development of therapeutics for the treatment of Monkeypox cases.
If you have any comments, please submit them to covid19@who.int.
Deadline for submission of comments: 15 August 2022