From RFI · · 2m
Two Ebola vaccines offer hope against DRC outbreak
Five months into the worst Ebola outbreak on record, trials of two new vaccines targeting the rare Bundibugyo strain could bring relief by mid-2027.
In brief
Five months into the worst Ebola outbreak on record, trials of two new vaccines targeting the rare Bundibugyo strain could bring relief by mid-2027. Two vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola are in early trials in the DRC, where over nine thousand cases and four thousand deaths have been recorded with no…
Outbreak reaches grim milestone
The Democratic Republic of Congo's worst-ever Ebola outbreak has passed nine thousand cases with over four thousand deaths. The Bundibugyo strain behind it has no approved vaccine or treatment.
First trial begins this month
The World Health Organization said a clinical trial of a potential vaccine is expected to begin by the end of October. Ervebo, already approved for the Zaire strain, will test for cross-protection against Bundibugyo.
Two vaccines in early testing
The University of Oxford and Moderna are developing vaccines specifically for Bundibugyo. Both are in early-stage clinical trials. Oxford's vaccine was developed with partners including the Serum Institute of India.
Phase one results expected soon
Results from phase one trials are expected later in October. They will show safety and the vaccines' ability to stimulate the immune system. Positive results could lead to larger phase two and three trials.
Rollout could come in 2027
If phase two and three trials succeed, a rollout could take place in the first half of twenty twenty-seven.
Existing vaccine offers a tool
The global stockpile contains approximately five hundred thousand doses of Ervebo.At the Congolese government's request, seventy thousand doses were released in August.Healthcare workers are being vaccinated to study whether protection against Zaire also covers Bundibugyo.
Surveillance and care matter now
Ebola outbreaks have been contained without vaccines through infection prevention, surveillance and early care. Seventy percent of deaths occur in communities before patients reach health facilities. Security challenges prevent early case detection.
Trust is the final barrier
Emanuele Capobianco of Gavi said healthcare workers, religious leaders, teachers and elders are essential to building trust. He described this as bridging the final distance, the gap between the syringe and the arm.
“the gap between the syringe and the arm”
Future outbreaks could be prevented
If an effective vaccine against Bundibugyo is secured, Gavi can build a global stockpile like it did for Zaire. Doses would be available for future epidemics in the DRC and other countries.
At a glance
Two vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola are in early trials in the DRC, where over nine thousand cases and four thousand deaths have been recorded with no approved vaccine yet available.
