Moderna has started Phase 1 clinical trials in Canada for a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The vaccine candidate utilizes the company's mRNA platform, the same technology employed in its COVID-19 vaccine.
The trial will involve approximately 80 volunteers to evaluate the safety, tolerance, and immune response of the vaccine. Currently, there is no vaccine available for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease.
Expected number of participants in the Moderna Phase 1 trial.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a global public-private partnership that finances vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases, is involved in supporting such candidates. In June, CEPI announced investments in a portfolio of vaccine candidates, including those from Moderna, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and the University of Oxford.
The University of Oxford launched its own Phase 1 clinical trial in July for an Ebola vaccine intended for manufacture at the Serum Institute of India (SII).
Getting Moderna's vaccine candidate into a Phase 1 trial this rapidly is a major step forward.
Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing its second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, with cases growing faster than previous surges.
Total Ebola cases recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo as of Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo had recorded 1,707 deaths from the virus. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya stated that it is unclear when the surge will reach its peak.
Regarding containment efforts, Jean Kaseya stated that contact tracing is not working, noting that approximately 60-70% of new Ebola cases were recorded from spreading within a community rather than from contact tracing.
