Moderna begins Phase 1 clinical trial of Ebola vaccine against strain behind DRC outbreak
Moderna has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial for an mRNA-based vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is currently causing an outbreak in the DRC. The trial is being conducted in Canada with funding support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
Why it matters
This represents a significant application of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 to address neglected tropical diseases and public health crises.
Moderna has begun a Phase 1 clinical trial of an Ebola vaccine set to target the Bundibugyo strain, which is currently circulating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the pharmaceutical company announced Tuesday.
The first participants were vaccinated in Canada with the candidate, mRNA-1469. The vaccine will be using the same mRNA platform that Moderna used to develop its vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first phase of the clinical trial will evaluate the safety and tolerability of the vaccine, with about 80 participants.
If warranted, a Phase 2 and Phase 3 trial will follow. Any approval and subsequent delivery of the vaccine would be months, if not years, away.
There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines to treat the current strain of Ebola circulating in the eastern DRC, which has seen more than 3,700 cases and 1,600 deaths in the current outbreak.
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