Global Health Authorities Accelerate Development of Vaccines and Treatments for Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak in DRC Amid Rising Cases
Global health authorities are urgently working to identify medical solutions to contain an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Unlike the more prevalent Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for Bundibugyo. The outbreak has resulted in approximately 177 suspected deaths and nearly 750 suspected cases, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that these numbers are expected to increase. The Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) has a fatality rate that can reach up to 40%.
Current Situation and Challenges
The ongoing outbreak has prompted global health authorities to explore the potential of existing Ebola medical options, although these are primarily supported by limited animal data. Most candidates have not yet undergone human trials and would require emergency or compassionate-use authorization for deployment in DRC.
Vaccine Development Efforts
Bundibugyo-Specific Vaccine: A vaccine specifically targeting Bundibugyo, known as rVSVΔG/BDBV-GP, employs the same technology as Merck’s approved Ervebo vaccine for the Zaire strain. Preliminary studies in 2023 have indicated survival benefits in non-human primates. Discussions are ongoing to advance this vaccine, but no final decisions have been made. The WHO has suggested a potential timeline of six to nine months for the production of this vaccine.
ChAdOx1 BDBV Vaccine: Another candidate, ChAdOx1 BDBV, utilizes the ChAdOx1 technology that was also employed in the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The Serum Institute of India is manufacturing this vaccine under its emergency response framework, in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the University of Oxford. Doses could be available within two to three months, although animal studies are still pending.
The Oxford Vaccine Group is actively working to generate preclinical data to support the development and testing of the ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has expressed interest in expediting the development of both vaccine candidates.
Antibody-Based Therapies
MBP134: Mapp Biopharmaceutical is developing a pan-ebolavirus antibody drug known as MBP134, which combines two human monoclonal antibodies. Initially studied for the Sudan ebolavirus, MBP134 has been deemed safe and well-tolerated in early trials. The U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is backing this development and coordinating shipments for potential use among high-risk individuals in the U.S. Mapp has indicated that MBP134 exhibits similar efficacy against all known ebolaviruses and is collaborating with the WHO in response to the outbreak.
Maftivimab: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is exploring its antibody drug candidate, maftivimab, as a possible treatment for Bundibugyo Ebolavirus. Laboratory studies have shown that it is active against this strain. Regeneron is currently working on logistics related to supply and delivery to the affected region. The FDA has approved a combination of maftivimab with two other antibodies, atoltivimab and odesivimab, under the brand name Inmazeb for treating Zaire Ebolavirus infections. Regeneron has recently donated 500 doses of Inmazeb to the WHO for potential use.
BDBV289-N: Human monoclonal antibodies isolated from Bundibugyo survivors are also being investigated as potential treatments. One candidate, BDBV289-N, demonstrated efficacy in a 2018 animal study, providing up to 100% protection in infected monkeys even when treatment commenced eight days post-infection.
Antiviral Drug Considerations
Gilead Sciences is evaluating its experimental oral antiviral drug, obeldesivir, as a potential post-exposure treatment to prevent Ebola in individuals who have come into contact with the virus. In animal studies, a once-daily regimen of obeldesivir for ten days yielded up to 100% protection against the Zaire and Sudan Ebola strains when administered 24 hours after exposure.
Additionally, Gilead’s remdesivir has shown laboratory activity against the Bundibugyo virus, with some data suggesting it may be more effective against BDBV than the Zaire strain. A company spokesperson indicated that while obeldesivir is not yet approved, preclinical data shows promising results for this specific strain.
Diagnostic Testing Capabilities
The WHO has noted that limited testing capacity for the Bundibugyo strain is hindering the outbreak response. Several diagnostic tests are currently available:
BioFire Global Fever Special Pathogens Panel: Developed by BioFire Defense, an affiliate of bioMérieux, this FDA-cleared test can detect multiple Ebola species, including Bundibugyo. The company is increasing production capacity and collaborating with public health stakeholders to assess needs.
RealStar Filovirus Screen RT-PCR Kit 1.0: Manufactured by Altona Diagnostics in Germany, this test is currently being utilized to detect the Bundibugyo outbreak in Congo. The company has ramped up production to support local testing facilities.
As the situation evolves, global health authorities continue to prioritize the development of effective vaccines and treatments to combat the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-05-23 12:30:00 • By the Editorial Desk
