Ebola experimental drug trials launch in Democratic Republic of Congo

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed it will provide doses of the experimental antibody drug MBP134, developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical, for compassionate use and to support a clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the Bundibugyo Ebola strain has caused over 1,000 confirmed cases.

The World Health Organization announced that trials will begin in the DRC using MBP134 together with the antiviral remdesivir, both donated by the United States, and additional antivirals from Gilead Sciences. The studies, conducted with partners including the DRC National Institute of Biomedical Research, ALIMA and Oxford University, aim to assess whether these treatments can reduce mortality in the ongoing outbreak, which is exacerbated by armed conflict and displaced populations. Over 100 patients have already recovered, and hospital capacity in the hardest‑hit areas has been expanded.

The effort reflects a coordinated international response to evaluate new therapeutics that could support future regulatory approval and improve outcomes for Ebola patients in the region.