Ebola vaccine trials advance in DRC and Canada

New clinical trials are advancing to address the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where infections have surpassed 4,000 cases.

NanoViricides has received regulatory approval from the Congolese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority (ACOREP) to begin Phase 2 trials for its NV-387 treatment. The trial will utilize an oral solid formulation in the form of gummies and is being conducted by OM Sai Clinical Research. Following the Ebola trials, a separate Phase 2 trial for Mpox is expected to take place in the DRC.

In Canada, Health Canada has authorized a Phase 1 clinical trial for a Moderna mRNA vaccine candidate specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. This trial is being conducted at three sites in Nova Scotia and Toronto with approximately 80 participants. The Bundibugyo strain is considered rare and currently lacks approved vaccines or treatments. While novel candidates like Moderna’s are being evaluated, health experts note that existing vaccines targeting the Zaire strain may offer some cross-protection, though new developments are essential for long-term preparedness.