Advocates Urge Lower Prices for Mpox Diagnostic Test

By Jennifer Rigby
LONDON (Reuters) – Global health advocates have written to the makers of a key mpox diagnostic test, urging a price reduction from around $20 to $5 per test. This change aims to improve low testing rates in poorer countries heavily affected by the virus.

Medical diagnostics firm Cepheid's GeneXpert mpox test is among three approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO). Activists highlight that the current price is prohibitive for countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been hard hit by the virus.

Declared a global public health emergency by the WHO this summer, mpox has spread from the outbreak in Congo to neighboring regions. The virus can cause flu-like symptoms, pus-filled lesions, and has the potential to be fatal.

Recently, the WHO indicated that cases in Africa are showing a "general rising trend," though they may be leveling off in parts of Congo. A critical issue remains: the lack of tests is hampering the ability to confirm cases in Congo, one of the poorest countries globally.

Advocates have sent a letter stating, "We urge you to lower the price of the mpox test cartridges to $5 and prioritize supply for African countries fighting mpox outbreaks." This letter was signed by groups including rights NGO Public Citizen and medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières.

Cepheid's test is crucial because the machines that process results are widely available in Africa, as they are also employed for tuberculosis testing.

Last year, Danaher, the parent company of Cepheid, reduced TB test prices to $7.97 following pressure from activists. The companies have not yet responded to requests for comments.

The $5 price proposal is supported by research indicating that the tests can be produced at that rate. Peter Maybarduk, Public Citizen's access to medicines director, noted that the recent WHO approval presents an opportunity to enhance testing efforts. He stated, "Lower prices would help health agencies meet the moment."