WHO Reports Promising Progress in Treatments for Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on August 4 that tests for experimental treatments, vaccines, and preventive medicines against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola are advancing rapidly. This rare strain is responsible for the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which began on May 15 and is described as the largest ever to hit the country. As of early August, reports indicate between 3,748 and 3,802 confirmed cases and between 1,657 and 1,707 deaths. Approximately 17,000 contacts are under monitoring, with about 80 percent receiving daily examinations.

Several vaccine candidates are currently in development. A vaccine from the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India began Phase 1 trials in the United Kingdom on July 24. Additionally, Canada has authorized Moderna to begin Phase 1 clinical trials for an mRNA vaccine, which will be manufactured on Canadian soil. The WHO is also evaluating whether the MSD licensed vaccine for the Zaire strain provides cross protection against the Bundibugyo strain.

Treatment trials are ongoing in the Ituri province, where nearly 90 percent of cases are concentrated. These include the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir. A separate prophylaxis study is testing whether a 10 day course of the oral antiviral Obeldesivir can prevent the disease in high risk contacts. Vasee Moorthy, head of the WHO R&D Blueprint, stated that pre clinical data are promising, though he cautioned that clinical trials are necessary to determine final efficacy.

While center leaning reports emphasize the promising nature of the medical research and the speed of the trials, center right leaning reports place more emphasis on the urgency of the crisis and the WHO's plea for more financial and resource support to keep pace with the expanding outbreak.