The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern, and aid groups say response efforts are struggling to keep pace. To speed vaccine development, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) pledged US$62 million on 1 June to fast-track three investigational candidates for the Bundibugyo virus. The candidates are being developed by IAVI, Moderna and the University of Oxford; the Oxford vaccine will be manufactured at the Serum Institute of India.
Teresa Lambe of the Oxford Vaccine Group said animal studies are under way and that clinical-grade doses could be ready within two to three months. WHO’s Technical Advisory Group has identified IAVI’s single-dose rVSV candidate, developed with the University of Texas Medical Branch and supported with US$3.2 million from CEPI, as the most promising; WHO estimates it will be seven to nine months before that candidate is ready for human testing.
As of May 29 the outbreak had caused 223 suspected deaths in DRC and one in Uganda. On 2 June Uganda confirmed six new cases, bringing its confirmed total to 15. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committed US$50 million through its First Response Fund, including up to US$40 million to accelerate access; Gavi’s chief executive Sania Nishtar said action is needed now so manufacturers can start producing doses at scale once candidates are ready. Africa CDC said Africa would have a vaccine and treatment "by the end of this year" and outlined a plan for at least 11 high-risk countries that will need US$319 million in the next six months. Teams are also assessing an earlier Russian vaccine for the Zaire strain to see if its platform could be adapted. WHO experts recommended experimental therapeutics for clinical trials, including monoclonal antibodies MBP134 and Maftivimab, the antiviral remdesivir, combination therapies and study of obeldesivir tablets for post-exposure protection.
Difficult words
- investigational — not yet approved; under scientific testing
- clinical-grade — suitable quality for use in human trials
- fast-track — speed up a process or development
- manufacture — make products, often on a large scalemanufactured
- monoclonal antibody — a lab-made protein used to fight diseasemonoclonal antibodies
- post-exposure protection — treatment given after contact to prevent illness
- accelerate — make something happen faster or sooner
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why did Gavi say action is needed now so manufacturers can start producing doses at scale?
- What are the benefits and risks of using experimental therapeutics and vaccines during an outbreak?
- Africa CDC outlined a plan for at least 11 high-risk countries needing funds. How should those countries prioritise spending in the next six months?
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