WHO Experts Advise on Candidate Ebola Treatments and Vaccines

The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened a panel of international experts to assess candidate treatments and vaccines for Ebolavirus disease (EVD) caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BVD). These evaluations are in response to the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and cases reported in Uganda.

Consultative groups, including those from the WHO's R&D Blueprint, focused on identifying promising therapeutic and vaccine candidates for BVD. The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) also weighed in on the potential role of licensed Ebola vaccines in BVD outbreaks. Currently, no treatments or vaccines are specifically licensed for BVD.

For treatment, three candidate therapeutics have been prioritized for evaluation in clinical trials: the monoclonal antibodies MBP134 and Maftivimab®, along with the antiviral remdesivir. Combination therapy with a monoclonal antibody and remdesivir will also be investigated.

In terms of prevention, the oral antiviral obeldesivir is prioritized for post-exposure prophylaxis among contacts of confirmed cases, provided effective contact tracing is feasible. Among vaccine candidates, the single-dose rVSV Bundibugyo vaccine, developed by IAVI, is the most promising, with clinical trials anticipated in 7-9 months. The ChAdOx1 Bundibugyo vaccine, from the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India, may be available for trials in 2-3 months, pending further animal data.

WHO emphasized that all evaluations must occur within carefully designed clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy. The Ervebo vaccine, licensed for a different Ebola virus species, is not approved for BVD prevention and its use is recommended only within research settings to gather evidence on its effectiveness against BVD.