Oxford Begins Human Trials of Vaccine Against Ebola Bundibugyo Strain
Oxford University has launched the first phase of clinical trials for a new vaccine targeting the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has caused an epidemic in DR Congo and Uganda.
Oxford University began human trials of a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola on Friday, with the first dose administered to a 37-year-old volunteer named Adam Hant.
This rare strain has triggered an epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and spread to Uganda. According to the World Health Organization, since the outbreak began in May, nearly 3,000 people have been infected and over 1,270 have died. No licensed vaccine currently exists for this strain.
The vaccine candidate, called "ChAdOx1 BDBV," uses the same technology as the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. David Pulido Gomez from the Oxford Pandemic Sciences Institute said the vaccine was developed from concept to clinical trials in just eight weeks.
The first-phase trial, partially funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), aims to evaluate the vaccine's safety and efficacy in 50 healthy adults over the coming weeks. Researchers are still seeking additional volunteers. If regulatory approval is obtained, the team plans to conduct further trials in partnership with Uganda.
Meanwhile, accelerated work continues globally on other vaccines and two potential treatments for this Ebola strain.
