Moderna Trials Ebola Vaccine Using COVID Tech

Moderna announced the commencement of its first human trial for an experimental vaccine against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus. This specific strain has caused over 1,650 deaths and currently lacks an approved vaccine. Health Canada has authorized the early-stage study, and the first participants have received the mRNA-1469 shot.

The experimental vaccine employs the same mRNA technology that was utilized in Moderna's successful COVID-19 vaccine. This trial, conducted across three sites in Canada, aims to enroll approximately 80 healthy adults. The primary goals are to assess the vaccine's safety and its ability to stimulate an immune response.

This research is part of an expanded collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which is providing up to $50 million to support the vaccine's initial testing and manufacturing. The Bundibugyo strain is responsible for a major outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, registering 3,748 confirmed cases and 1,657 deaths as of August 1st.

The current outbreak is progressing faster than the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic, which was the largest on record. Both the World Health Organization and the Africa CDC have declared the ongoing outbreak a public health emergency. Moderna has committed to making at least 500,000 doses available at access pricing for low- and middle-income countries if the vaccine receives approval.