Accra:Geneva The first four participants in a clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been vaccinated to determine if an existing Ebola vaccine can reduce severe illness and deaths caused by the Bundibugyo virus, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, WHO Director of Science for Health Meg Doherty announced that the trial, named TUMAINI, meaning "hope" in Swahili, commenced on Friday. The initial vaccine under evaluation is Ervebo, known for its safety and effectiveness against the Zaire virus, although its efficacy against the Bundibugyo virus remains uncertain.
The research aims to assess whether the vaccine can reduce severe disease or death, rather than prevent infection. The trial employs a ring-vaccination approach, targeting individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed Ebola patients or have been exposed to the virus. Currently, two vaccination rings have been established, with additional ones in preparation. Eligible participants can receive the vaccine between one and 21 days post-exposure, but the impact of timing on outcomes is not yet understood.
Doherty mentioned that the results of the trial are expected to take several months to emerge. The study is led by Congolese researchers and managed by the country's National Institute for Biomedical Research, with support from WHO and international partners. It is designed as a platform trial, allowing multiple vaccine candidates to be evaluated within a single framework.
WHO advisory groups recently reviewed two vaccines specifically developed against the Bundibugyo virus ChAdOx1, by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, and Moderna's mRNA-1469. Recommendations on these vaccines are anticipated this week. Community interest in the trial is high, with members approaching the site to enroll, highlighting the urgent need for an effective vaccine.
The trial builds on the ring-vaccination strategy used during the West African Ebola outbreak a decade ago, which confirmed Ervebo's effectiveness against the Zaire virus.