The world is on high alert as a new outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreads through the Democratic Republic of Congo. With 1,792 laboratory-confirmed cases and 625 deaths so far, health experts are racing against time to find a solution. Now, the UK has begun human trials for an experimental vaccine specifically designed to combat this deadly virus.
The rapid progress in developing this vaccine is a testament to international collaboration and the expertise of scientists at the University of Oxford. Just eight weeks after a public health emergency was declared on 17 May, the vaccine is now entering clinical testing – making it the first of four vaccines under development to do so. This accelerated timeline has been achieved by leveraging the same technology platform used for the successful Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine uses a modified common cold virus, typically found in chimpanzees, as a delivery system. This harmless viral vector carries a snippet of genetic code from the Bundibugyo Ebola virus into the body, triggering an immune response without causing infection. Researchers have undergone rigorous testing on mice and macaque monkeys, with promising results that have led to the MHRA's approval for human trials.
The initial phase one trials will involve 50 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55, who will be closely monitored for a year to assess the vaccine's safety and its ability to generate the desired immune response. While severe side effects are rare, researchers are aware of potential risks, including blood clots similar to those associated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. However, it's essential to note that the risk from the Bundibugyo Ebola virus itself is significantly higher, with a fatality rate of approximately one-third of those infected.
Manufacturing has been scaled up by the Serum Institute of India, which has already produced and stockpiled approximately 620,000 doses. Dr Katrina Pollock, chief investigator at the University of Oxford, stresses that while development was swift, no corners were cut – all standard tests were conducted in parallel to expedite the process.