Moderna to Develop Ebola Bundibugyo Vaccine with CEPI Support
Global Push for Ebola Bundibugyo Vaccine Development
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has announced $60 million in funding to support Moderna and two other research groups in developing vaccines against the Ebola Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). This strain has triggered a deadly outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with 282 confirmed cases, 42 deaths, and over 1,100 suspected infections. Additional cases have been reported in Uganda, including one fatality.
Moderna’s Role
Moderna will receive up to $50 million to advance its investigational BDBV vaccine candidate through preclinical and early clinical trials. The company aims to simplify dosing—potentially one or two shots—and move quickly into larger trials in Africa if early data proves positive. CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized the urgency of developing a safe and effective vaccine without compromising safety.
Other Candidates
- Oxford University & Serum Institute of India: Developing ChAdOx1 Bundibugyo, using the same technology as the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI): Working on a single-dose Bundibugyo vaccine, modeled on Merck’s approved Ervebo for the Zaire strain.
Both candidates have shown promising results in animal studies, with CEPI committing additional funding to accelerate their progress.
Global Support
- Gavi has pledged up to $50 million for Ebola response.
- The World Bank Pandemic Fund announced $220.6 million in grants to strengthen outbreak preparedness.
These commitments highlight the scale of international collaboration needed to combat Ebola.
Why It Matters
There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for Ebola Bundibugyo, making this outbreak particularly dangerous. Past Ebola crises required hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses to contain spread. The new funding aims to ensure vaccines are available “on a not infinitely distant horizon,” offering hope to communities in Congo and beyond.