Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine effort in DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a large outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with more than 3,500 confirmed cases and over 1,500 deaths reported across several provinces. The epidemic is exacerbated by armed conflict that hampers public‑health measures.

In response, a Singapore‑based joint venture, Hilleman Laboratories, which includes Merck (MSD) and the Wellcome Trust, is advancing a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain. The candidate builds on the platform used for the approved Ervebo vaccine against the Zaire strain and is designed for easier storage and lower cost.

Funding for the effort comes from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which has pledged up to $8.5 million for the Merck‑Wellcome project and additional resources for other candidates. The goal is to produce doses for early‑stage clinical trials that could start by the end of the year, with the aim of providing a rapid, affordable supply to affected and low‑income countries.