The global epidemic preparedness innovation organization CEPI will allocate approximately $60 million to accelerate the development of a vaccine against the deadly Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The funds will be directed to Moderna, the University of Oxford, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI).

According to Reuters, CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett stated that vaccines could be ready for trials within months. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for this strain. Hatchett noted that the promise of a vaccine in the foreseeable future would help initiate negotiations for its procurement and financing of mass distribution. However, he warned that development could be unpredictable, and the complex security situation in eastern Congo will complicate clinical trials.

Data from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization show 282 confirmed cases in Congo, with 42 deaths. Nine additional cases have been confirmed in Uganda, including one fatality. Global health organizations have declared the outbreak a public health emergency.

CEPI will provide up to $50 million to Moderna for preclinical and early clinical development of an experimental vaccine. Another $8.6 million will go to the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India. IAVI will receive an initial grant of $3.2 million. Its vaccine uses the same technology as the approved Ervebo vaccine against the Zaire strain. IAVI CEO Mark Feinberg stated that tens of millions of dollars will be needed before clinical trials.

Previously, the Global Alliance for Vaccines Gavi allocated up to $50 million for Ebola response, and the World Bank announced grants of up to $220.6 million. Meanwhile, the WHO stated that development and access to the most promising vaccine against Bundibugyo will take six to nine months. By then, the situation in Central Africa will rapidly deteriorate.

Source: podrobno.uz