WHO identifies Ebola treatments, vaccines be tested in trials amid outbreak

The World Health Organization has identified three experimental treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, recommending they be prioritized for clinical trials. The drugs include Mapp Biopharmaceutical’s MBP134, Regeneron’s maftivimab, and Gilead Sciences’ antiviral remdesivir.

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The drugs and other candidate vaccines should be evaluated in clinical trials to generate data on their use.

This recommendation comes as an outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus continues in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with cases also reported in Uganda. The WHO noted that there are currently no approved vaccines or therapies specifically for this strain of Ebola. Regeneron stated that a supply of maftivimab is available in the DRC for immediate treatment or study participation.

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There are currently no approved vaccines or therapies specifically for the Bundibugyo virus disease.

For prevention, Gilead’s experimental oral antiviral obeldesivir is highlighted for post-exposure use in contacts of confirmed cases, contingent on effective contact tracing. Among vaccines, a single-dose candidate called rVSV Bundibugyo, developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, shows promise but is likely seven to nine months away from trials. Another candidate, ChAdOx1 Bundibugyo from Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India, could be ready for testing within two to three months, pending further animal data.

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Supply of maftivimab is already on the ground in the DRC, should the WHO wish to utilise it for immediate treatment or as an additional component of a study.

The WHO also reviewed Merck’s Ervebo, the only licensed Ebola vaccine, but advised against its deployment outside research settings due to limited and inconclusive evidence against the Bundibugyo virus. Advisors recommended evaluating a combination therapy of a monoclonal antibody with remdesivir. The WHO is collaborating with Congolese and Ugandan authorities, along with partners like the Africa CDC, to establish strict ethical standards for the clinical trials.

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However, it is unlikely to be ready for trials for another seven to nine months.