Clinical trials for potential Ebola vaccines and treatments are continuing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) as health authorities and international organisations work to control the ongoing outbreak.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which no specifically approved vaccine or treatment is currently available.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), two additional vaccine candidates developed by Oxford University and Moderna have been recommended for inclusion in the ongoing clinical trial programme. The candidates will undergo further evaluation following the required approvals.
Researchers are also investigating potential treatments, including the antiviral drug Remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP134, to assess their effectiveness in treating patients infected with the virus.
The vaccine research programme aims to evaluate different candidates and generate scientific evidence that could help prevent future infections. Initial findings from treatment trials are expected in the coming months, while vaccine trial results are anticipated in early 2027.
Health authorities continue to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, medical preparedness and community awareness to limit the spread of the outbreak.
The ongoing research is considered an important step towards developing effective medical solutions against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
