TAG-TP statement on immunomodulators and host-directed therapies for Bundibugyo virus disease
The WHO's Technical Advisory Group on Therapeutics Prioritization is evaluating immunomodulators for treating Bundibugyo virus disease. The group notes a lack of clinical data and emphasizes the need for natural history studies to identify effective pharmacological targets.
Why it matters
Establishing a research framework for this rare virus is critical for developing life-saving treatments in the event of an outbreak.
In the context of prioritization of therapeutics to be included in clinical research for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) the Technical Advisory Group on Therapeutics Prioritization ( TAG-TP) has begun examining the landscape of immunomodulatory and host-directed new or repurposed agents. Currently, there are no studies in patients characterizing the downstream pathogenesis that follows infection with Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). The available evidence derives mainly from data collected with Ebola virus, specifically Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) that provides relevant information from animal models and patients, but not sufficient to allow a proper assessment for the selection of immunomodulatory and host-directed candidates for clinical trials in BVD. In addition, it is noted that even corticosteroids have never been tested in a stringent filovirus animal model. For other infectious diseases leading to sepsis or other severe disease evolutions, it is also noted that immunomodulators can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the timing of the administration.
The report is a technical, scientific advisory statement from a global health organization.
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