Three prominent organisations – IAVI, Moderna, and the University of Oxford – are actively working on the development of new Ebola vaccines. This concerted effort highlights a global commitment to strengthening defences against the highly virulent disease, particularly as fears of potential outbreaks persist in various regions.
Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness in humans, with a fatality rate that can reach up to 90%. While significant progress has been made in recent years, notably with the deployment of existing vaccines like Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV-GP), the ongoing development of additional vaccines is crucial. These new candidates aim to offer broader protection, potentially targeting different species of the Ebola virus, and to improve the logistical aspects of vaccine distribution and administration, especially in remote or conflict-affected areas.
The University of Oxford, a global leader in vaccine research and development, particularly recognised for its work on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, brings significant expertise to this endeavour. Moderna, a biotechnology company known for its mRNA vaccine technology, is also leveraging its platform to develop an Ebola vaccine, potentially offering rapid manufacturing capabilities. IAVI, a non-profit scientific research organisation, has a long history of working on vaccines for emerging infectious diseases and is contributing its specialised knowledge to the effort.
The push for new vaccines is underpinned by lessons learned from past outbreaks, such as the devastating West African epidemic from 2014 to 2016, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths. Although subsequent outbreaks have been more contained due to quicker responses and the use of existing vaccines, the threat of re-emergence remains constant. Developing a diversified portfolio of vaccines ensures that the international community is better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to future public health emergencies.
For the UK, while Ebola outbreaks typically occur in specific regions of Africa, the interconnectedness of global travel and trade means that preparedness is paramount. The NHS has robust protocols in place for identifying and managing suspected cases, and contributions to global health security, such as vaccine development, indirectly safeguard the UK population by reducing the overall risk of international spread. The UK Government and organisations like the Wellcome Trust have historically invested significantly in global health research and development, recognising the importance of preventing epidemics at their source.