A new phase in the global fight against Ebola has begun after biotechnology company Moderna launched the first human trial of an experimental vaccine targeting the deadly Bundibugyo strain, a form of the virus that currently has no approved vaccine.
The vaccine, known as mRNA-1469, was administered to its first volunteers in Canada on Tuesday, August 4, following government approval for an early-stage clinical study.
The trial marks an important step in efforts to develop new tools against Ebola outbreaks, particularly in regions where the disease continues to threaten public health. Researchers will focus on determining whether the vaccine is safe and whether it can stimulate the body’s immune response against the Bundibugyo virus.
The study will be conducted at three locations across Canada and is expected to involve about 80 healthy adults.
Moderna is developing the vaccine in partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which has committed up to $50 million to support early research, testing and manufacturing efforts.
Under the partnership agreement, Moderna has pledged that if the vaccine receives approval, at least 500,000 doses will be made available to low- and middle-income countries at affordable prices.
The vaccine development comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) continues to battle an outbreak of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain. The outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak in DR Congo had recorded 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths by July 30.
Meanwhile, Uganda has declared an end to its Ebola outbreak after recording 20 infections and two deaths. The country was declared Ebola-free after going 42 days without a new case following the discharge of the last patient on June 16.
Beyond vaccine development, scientists are also exploring possible treatments for the disease. In July, WHO launched a clinical trial in DR Congo to test two experimental treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease.
The trial, known as the Platform Adaptive Randomised Trial for New and Repurposed Filovirus Treatments (PARTNERS), is enrolling patients with confirmed infections as researchers seek better ways to manage and treat the virus.
The latest vaccine trial offers renewed hope in preventing future Ebola outbreaks, especially in areas where emerging strains continue to pose a serious health threat.
