Ebola vaccine: Oxford University begins human trials of new jab to combat fast-spreading Bundibugyo strain

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The University of Oxford is set to begin trials for a new Ebola vaccine, which has been rapidly developed to combat the Bundibugyo strain currently devastating the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Scientists at the university will initially assess the safety and immune response of the jab in 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55 in the UK.

The vaccine, known as ChAdOx1 BDBV, uses the same technology as the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

That means that it could be ready within weeks.

To support the potential future deployment of the vaccine, some 620,000 doses have already been stockpiled, with an additional 4,000 investigational doses supplied for the ongoing Oxford trial.

Researchers are also collaborating with partners in Uganda to prepare for subsequent trials in Africa.

While volunteers in the UK study will be monitored for a year, scientists anticipate quickly determining whether the vaccine can offer effective protection.

Professor Teresa Lambe, the study’s lead scientific investigator, said: “The ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak continues to devastate affected communities, underlining the urgent need for effective vaccines and treatments.

“Our team has worked tirelessly with global partners to develop a candidate ChAdOx BDBV vaccine, demonstrating how collaborative partnerships can enable rapid response in the face of rapidly evolving outbreaks.

“This milestone comes after only 57 days since the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.”

Congolese health workers receive a patient at the Rwampara General Hospital as authorities intensify efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain (Reuters)

This is the 17th outbreak of Ebola in the Congo, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of late last week, there were 1,813 confirmed cases and 627 confirmed deaths.

The number of reported deaths is rising rapidly, with more than 100 fatalities reported in the first week of July.

Unlike the Zaire strain of the virus, which caused previous outbreaks, there are as yet no approved drugs or vaccines to combat the Bundibugyo strain.

Dr Nicole Lurie, executive director of preparedness and response at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi), said: “The deadly Bundibugyo epidemic is already the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record, and infection numbers are continuing to rise.

“The University of Oxford’s work to progress their Bundibugyo vaccine candidate ready to enter Phase I trials in a matter of weeks is a pivotal milestone in the response effort.

“Every step that brings a safe and effective vaccine closer helps strengthen our ability to protect vulnerable communities, save lives and bring this outbreak under control.”

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