New Ebola Drug Trial Targets Deadly Virus

In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, healthcare workers are battling an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus, a distinct species that has infected at least 695 people and caused 138 deaths. Unlike more common Ebola strains, Bundibugyo virus does not respond to existing treatments, prompting an urgent scientific effort to identify new therapies. Preliminary research and early clinical trials have identified two promising candidates: MBP-134, a monoclonal antibody that has shown effectiveness in monkeys and safety in humans, and remdesivir, an antiviral drug with prior use in other diseases.

Scientists are now moving these potential treatments into rigorous clinical trials. A new, adaptive trial design is being employed to expedite the testing process, potentially allowing drugs to be evaluated across multiple outbreaks and virus types. This approach aims to overcome the historical challenge of outbreaks concluding before trials can yield results. Experts hope this accelerated method will quickly determine if MBP-134 and remdesivir, alongside other candidates like maftivimab and obeldesivir, can effectively combat the Bundibugyo virus.