As researchers test a vaccine option for a disease with no licensed shot of its own, four people have received Ervebo in a Democratic Republic of the Congo trial, Anadolu Agency reported Tuesday.
The TUMAINI Phase 2/3 trial opened Oct. 23 in Bunia, Ituri province, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) says the Congolese Ministry of Health provides national leadership.
Anadolu quoted WHO Director of Science for Health Meg Doherty as saying the study is assessing whether Ervebo reduces severe illness or death from Bundibugyo virus. It is not measuring whether the vaccine prevents infection. Doherty said the timing for results is unsettled, though she estimated to Anadolu that it may take several months.
WHO says Ervebo is licensed for Ebola virus disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus. The agency says there is no licensed vaccine for Bundibugyo virus disease and that evidence is insufficient to determine whether Ervebo protects people against it.
CEPI says the study is intended to build evidence that could help protect affected communities and prepare for future outbreaks. It expects Bundibugyo-specific candidates from Moderna and the University of Oxford, developed with Serum Institute of India, to join the trial, but has not announced when. EconoTimes previously reported on the trial’s opening.
