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The global health organisation Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has announced funding of about $60 million for Moderna and two other research groups to accelerate the development of vaccines against Ebola Bundibugyo.
CEPI was one of the early investors that helped develop a vaccine at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation said the goal is to boost vaccine development and move candidates into trials within a short period.
“There are no approved vaccines or treatments for Ebola Bundibugyo,” the organisation said.
CEPI Executive Director Richard Hatchett told Reuters in an interview that progress could be fast-tracked despite challenges.
“Every day counts in the race against this deadly disease,” Hatchett said.
Hatchett stated that vaccine trials could begin within a few months, though security issues in eastern Congo may complicate research efforts.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the outbreak has recorded 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths, with around 1,100 suspected cases across affected areas. Nine additional cases, including one death, have also been confirmed in Uganda. Both health authorities declared the outbreak a public health emergency.
CEPI said part of the funding includes up to $50 million for Moderna’s Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine candidate to support early clinical testing and manufacturing. Additional funding will go to vaccine projects from the University of Oxford, the Serum Institute of India, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.
CEPI ED noted that while development is progressing quickly, ensuring access to vaccines in affected regions remains a major challenge.
Global partners, including Gavi and the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund, have also pledged additional financial support to help contain the outbreak.
