Moderna begins first human trial of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine
Moderna has initiated the first human clinical trials for an experimental vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. The study, funded in part by CEPI, aims to test the safety and immune response of the mRNA-1469 vaccine in healthy adults.
Why it matters
Developing a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain is critical for public health, as this specific Ebola variant currently lacks an approved preventative treatment.
Moderna on Tuesday said it has begun its first human trial of an experimental vaccine to protect against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a strain of Ebola that has killed more than 1,650 people so far and currently has no approved vaccine.
Health Canada has cleared an early-stage study and the first volunteers have already received the shot, called mRNA-1469, acording to the vaccine maker. The experimental shot uses the same mRNA technology behind Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.
The trial, which will run at three sites in Canada, aims to enroll about 80 healthy adults to check if the vaccine is safe and triggers an immune response. The work is part of an expanded partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI, which has pledged up to $50 million to help fund the vaccine's early testing and manufacturing.
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