Accelerating Ebola Vaccine Development: CEPI Invests $60 Million
CEPI aims to fast-track the development of Ebola Bundibugyo vaccines with an investment of $60 million. The initiative involves Moderna and two other groups, targeting the deadly virus affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo. Complete clinical trials within months are plausible, despite the security challenges in the region.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is set to inject approximately $60 million into Moderna and two additional entities to expedite the creation of vaccines against Ebola Bundibugyo, a lethal virus impacting eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Richard Hatchett, CEPI's head, indicated the possibility of launching vaccine trials within a few months. As there are no approved Ebola Bundibugyo vaccines or treatments yet, Hatchett emphasized the uncertainty involved in vaccine development, further compounded by eastern Congo's challenging security conditions.
With over 280 confirmed cases in Congo and nine in Uganda, the outbreak is labeled a public health emergency. CEPI's commitment includes up to $50 million to support Moderna's BDBV vaccine development. Meanwhile, further investments are planned for vaccine candidates from the University of Oxford and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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