Home / Health / Oxford Ebola Vaccine Trial Begins
Oxford Ebola Vaccine Trial Begins
13 Jul
Summary
- Oxford University is testing a new Ebola vaccine.
- The vaccine targets the Bundibugyo strain in Congo.
- It uses technology similar to the Covid-19 vaccine.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have initiated trials for a new vaccine, ChAdOx1 BDBV, targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola currently affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initial phase involves assessing the vaccine's safety and immune response in 50 healthy adults in the UK. This rapid development is possible because the vaccine employs the same technology as the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.
This initiative is critical as the Bundibugyo strain has no approved drugs or vaccines, unlike previous Ebola strains. As of late last week, the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 1,813 confirmed cases and 627 confirmed deaths from this outbreak, which is the third-largest on record. Researchers are working closely with partners in Uganda to prepare for subsequent trials in Africa, aiming to expedite the availability of a protective measure.
Professor Teresa Lambe highlighted the urgent need for effective vaccines and the success of collaborative partnerships in developing this candidate in just 57 days since the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a public health emergency. With 620,000 doses already stockpiled, the progress towards a potential deployment is significant, offering hope in controlling the devastating epidemic.
