Home / Health / CEPI Pours $60M Into Ebola Vaccine Race
CEPI Pours $60M Into Ebola Vaccine Race
1 Jun
Summary
- CEPI is funding Moderna, Oxford, and IAVI to speed up vaccine development.
- No approved vaccines currently exist for the deadly Ebola Bundibugyo strain.
- The outbreak has caused hundreds of cases and dozens of deaths in Africa.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has committed nearly $60 million to expedite the creation of vaccines targeting the Ebola Bundibugyo strain. This crucial funding is allocated to Moderna, the University of Oxford in partnership with the Serum Institute of India, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). The development is critical as no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist for this deadly virus.
The current outbreak has led to 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside nine confirmed cases and one death in Uganda. CEPI's investment includes up to $50 million for Moderna's vaccine candidate, $8.6 million for Oxford's shot, and $3.2 million for IAVI's single-dose candidate. These initiatives aim to fast-track preclinical development and early clinical testing.
CEPI's executive head, Richard Hatchett, expressed optimism that vaccines could be ready for trials within months, though he cautioned about the unpredictable nature of vaccine development and logistical challenges in eastern Congo. The urgency is underscored by the virus's significant impact, with global health agencies declaring it a public health emergency. Other international bodies, including Gavi and the World Bank's Pandemic Fund, have also pledged substantial financial aid for the Ebola response.
