Moderna Begins Bundibugyo Vaccine Trial in DRC

Moderna has begun the first human clinical trial of an experimental vaccine designed to protect against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola after receiving authorisation from Health Canada. The biotechnology company said the first volunteers have already received the vaccine, known as mRNA-1469, which is based on the same messenger RNA technology used in its COVID-19 vaccine.

The early-stage study will be conducted at three sites across Canada and is expected to enrol about 80 healthy adults. Researchers will evaluate the vaccine’s safety and whether it produces an immune response against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus.

The programme is supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which has committed up to $50 million for the vaccine’s early development, testing, and manufacturing.

The Bundibugyo strain is linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 3,800 infections and 1,700 deaths have been reported. The World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have declared the outbreak a public health emergency. There is currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

If the vaccine successfully completes clinical trials and secures regulatory approval, Moderna said it plans to supply at least 500,000 doses to low- and middle-income countries at affordable prices.

SOURCE: Reuters