WHO Boosts Pandemic Defense: MERS-CoV Added to BioHub System for Rapid Global Research

he World Health Organization (WHO) has added an isolate of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) to its BioHub System. This initiative allows countries to voluntarily share and request biological materials with epidemic potential. The move aims to significantly accelerate global research and bolster pandemic preparedness.

MERS-CoV is a highly concerning zoonotic virus that can cause severe respiratory disease and has a fatality rate of about 37% in reported cases. Crucially, the newly shared isolate is of clade C, which is widely circulating in African camel populations, unlike older clade A isolates used in most past research.

The BioHub System, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides a trusted and scalable mechanism for faster, fairer, and more reliable sharing of pathogens. By making the MERS-CoV isolate readily available to researchers globally, the WHO is supporting the development of essential medical countermeasures, including diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.

Since its launch, the BioHub has grown significantly, facilitating the sharing of materials like SARS-CoV-2 variants and mpox isolates. The addition of MERS-CoV strengthens the system’s capacity to support preparedness for known and emerging threats. The WHO plans to further expand the network by establishing BioHub Facilities in every region, ensuring equitable access and enhanced global health security.