Scientists begin first human testing of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine

Scientists begin first human testing of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine
Scientists begin first human testing of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine - An experimental ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine vial developed by researchers at the University of Oxford for the world's first human clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. (Photo: Oxford University)
An experimental ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine vial developed by researchers at the University of Oxford for the world's first human clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. (Photo: Oxford University)

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The Bundibugyo strain is responsible for the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, which has so far claimed over 1,000 lives with confirmed cases exceeding 2,500.

The world's first human trial of a vaccine designed to protect against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has begun after the first volunteer received the experimental shot, marking a major step in the global effort to combat the deadly virus as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) battles a worsening outbreak.
The University of Oxford announced on Friday that researchers had successfully vaccinated the first participant with the experimental vaccine, ChAdOx1 BDBV, just weeks after launching a study to evaluate its safety and ability to trigger an immune response in humans.
The Bundibugyo strain is responsible for the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, which has so far claimed over 1,000 lives with confirmed cases exceeding 2,500.

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Unlike the Zaire strain, which has licensed vaccines, there is currently no approved vaccine specifically targeting Bundibugyo Ebola virus.
According to Oxford University researchers, more volunteers will be enrolled in the coming weeks as the trial evaluates the vaccine's safety and its ability to trigger an immune response before any larger studies are considered.
“Vaccinating the first participants in a first-in-human study is always a significant moment," said Dr Peter Skydmore, the lead study doctor for the clinical trial.

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"While these are very early days, they represent an important first step in evaluating this vaccine in humans. Over the coming months, we will continue vaccinating and monitoring participants, and assessing the safety and immune responses generated by the vaccine."
Preparations are also underway for additional clinical studies in neighbouring Uganda, subject to regulatory approval. If the initial trial proves successful, the vaccine will move into larger studies aimed at generating the data needed for emergency use authorisation and, eventually, full regulatory approval.
According to Dr Katrina Pollock, the trial's chief investigator, researchers will continue working with international partners to advance the vaccine's development while responding to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
"This is an important milestone for the trial, and marks the next phase in our multinational collaborative journey to develop a Bundibugyo Ebola virus vaccine. With the help of our many vaccine research partners and, importantly, the clinical trial volunteers, our team will continue to work tirelessly in our response to this severe outbreak,” she said.

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