New Ebola vaccine trial launches as outbreak spreads in DR Congo
The WHO reports progress on trials for a new Ebola vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo species as the DRC faces its largest recorded outbreak, with results expected in months.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the launch of trials for a vaccine against the Bundibugyo Ebola species amid the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) largest recorded outbreak, with results anticipated in several months. Trials began swiftly due to pre-established protocols, though no proven treatments or vaccines currently exist for this Ebola strain. Initial trials in the United Kingdom and Canada are testing the vaccine on animals before potential human trials, with WHO awaiting further data before proceeding. The WHO’s technical advisory group will publish recommendations this week to guide further research efforts.
A clinical trial for a potential post-exposure prophylaxis medicine is underway in Ituri province, led by the DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research and international partners. The trial involves over 25 high-risk contacts receiving a 10-day oral treatment to assess its ability to prevent disease onset. Three testing sites are operational, with a fourth expected to open soon, providing safe monitoring conditions for participants. WHO’s acting lead for R&D, Dr. Vasee Moorthy, emphasized the need to expand enrollment while ensuring rigorous safety protocols.
New data from animal studies on the licensed Ervebo vaccine, which targets a different Ebola strain, has also emerged, according to WHO. The vaccine, approved for the Zaire Ebola strain, is being evaluated for potential broader applications. The WHO’s technical advisory group met last Friday to review findings and will release recommendations later this week. These efforts aim to accelerate research and response strategies for Ebola outbreaks in the DRC.
The UN’s aid coordination office, OCHA, has allocated up to $60 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support response and preparedness in the DRC and neighboring countries. The funding will bolster clinical trials, healthcare infrastructure, and outbreak containment measures. WHO continues to coordinate with national and international partners to scale up research and response efforts amid the ongoing crisis.