WHO suggests two new Ebola vaccines for trials as DRC faces Bundibugyo outbreak

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suggested two new Ebola vaccines for testing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This comes as research into possible treatments continues.

In a statement on Wednesday, the WHO said the vaccines were made specifically for the Bundibugyo virus. They will be tested for the first time during the current outbreak of the disease.

The two vaccines are ChAdOx1, made by the University of Oxford with help from the Serum Institute of India, and Moderna’s mRNA-1469.

The WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Candidate Vaccine Prioritisation recommended these vaccines. This decision was based on the available early clinical evidence. Their use will depend on approval from national authorities.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, called this development a sign of scientific teamwork. He thanked researchers, health workers, partners, and those who will take part in the clinical trials.

He noted that the contributions from participants would provide important evidence to help save lives. He added that while vaccines are not the only solution to end the outbreak, they could help improve control measures.

The Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, DRC’s public health research body, is leading the vaccine trial. They are getting support from WHO, the University of Antwerp, and other international partners.

Other groups involved are Epicentre, Médecins Sans Frontières, the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mr Ghebreyesus mentioned that investments from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations helped in the quick development of these vaccine candidates.

The Tumaini trial aims to test several vaccine candidates using a ring-vaccination method. This method involves vaccinating people who are in contact with those who have the Bundibugyo virus.

This approach is based on strategies used during the West African Ebola outbreak. During that time, a major trial in Guinea showed the Ervebo vaccine was effective against Zaire ebolavirus.

Ervebo is also the first vaccine being tested in the Tumaini trial to see how well it works against the Bundibugyo virus.

Mr Ghebreyesus stated that four vaccination rings have already been set up. There are plans for more rings that will involve people who have been sick or died from Ebola.

He added that research into possible treatments is also moving forward. This is happening through the WHO-sponsored PARTNERS trial, which started in July to test treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease.

The trial is looking at whether the monoclonal antibody MBP134, the antiviral drug remdesivir, or a mix of both could help patients survive after infection.

Mr Ghebreyesus said another treatment called maftivimab will soon be included in the trial. There is also an ongoing study on obeldevisir for preventing infection after exposure.

He said the WHO is helping with outbreak research through its Research and Development Blueprint and Health Emergencies Programme. They are providing expert advice, research plans, and operational help.

The support includes coordinating research partners and making sure studies during the outbreak meet strict scientific and ethical standards.

Initial results from the treatment trials are expected in the next few months. Results from the vaccine trial should come in early 2027.