Oxford Scientists Develop New Bundibugyo Ebola Vaccine, Clinical Trials Expected in Months
Oxford University scientists are developing a new vaccine to address the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Bundibugyo species has led to 750 suspected cases and 177 fatalities. This particular strain, which kills approximately one-third of those infected, currently lacks a proven vaccine.
The research team is working with urgency, anticipating potential escalation of the outbreak. The World Health Organization recently declared a public health emergency of international concern and has upgraded the risk from "high" to "very high" within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The vaccine utilises the ChAdOx1 technology, a highly adaptable platform previously employed during the Covid pandemic. This method involves a genetically engineered chimpanzee common cold virus, modified to safely carry genetic material from the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. This instructs the human immune system to recognise and combat the disease without causing infection.
Animal testing is reportedly underway in Oxford. The Serum Institute of India has been designated for mass production once Oxford provides the necessary medical-grade material. Professor Lambe, Calleva Head of Vaccine Immunology at the Oxford Vaccine Group, indicated that the Institute could achieve rapid and large-scale production. The WHO suggests the vaccine could be ready for clinical trials in two to three months, prioritising speed in response to the outbreak.
Unlike widespread Covid vaccination, Ebola vaccines are typically deployed via a strategy known as ring vaccination. This method targets individuals most susceptible to infection, including close contacts of confirmed cases and healthcare workers, to prevent further transmission.
