NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA / RankWire.AI / – Moderna has initiated an early-phase clinical trial for a vaccine targeting Bundibugyo ebolavirus amid increasing cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The first dose of the mRNA-1469 vaccine was administered on August 3 in Truro, Nova Scotia. This marks the inaugural deployment of the vaccine in human subjects. The World Health Organization has officially classified the Congo outbreak as an international public health emergency.
Approximately 80 healthy adults are set to participate in the Phase 1 trial across three Canadian sites. The research will assess the vaccine’s safety profile, tolerability, and its capacity to induce an immune response. It is important to note that this trial does not aim to demonstrate the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing Ebola infection. As an early-stage investigation, the focus is on safety and dosage determination prior to larger-scale testing. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has pledged up to $50 million to support testing, manufacturing processes, and additional research doses.
WHO reported 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 fatalities in DR Congo up to July 30, with at least 651 individuals having recovered by that date. Updated data on August 4 indicated cases exceeding 3,800 and deaths surpassing 1,700. Health authorities identified infections spread across 49 health zones spanning five provinces, with Ituri remaining the outbreak’s epicenter, accounting for roughly 88% of confirmed cases.
Absence of approved vaccine underscores outbreak urgency
The ongoing epidemic involves Bundibugyo ebolavirus, one of multiple species within the Ebola virus family. Currently, no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment is available for this particular species. Existing Ebola vaccines authorized for use focus on Zaire ebolavirus, which causes a different disease form. Historically, Bundibugyo ebolavirus has triggered outbreaks in Uganda and DR Congo, with a total of 17 outbreaks recorded since the virus’s initial identification in 1976.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Public health teams have intensified efforts in testing, contact tracing, treatment, and infection control measures across affected regions. By July 30, officials had listed 17,863 contacts for ongoing monitoring. WHO also documented 151 confirmed cases among healthcare workers, including 44 fatalities. Ongoing conflicts, displacement, and assaults on health facilities have hampered access to some communities for containment and treatment efforts.
Additional vaccine candidates progress in development
Following Moderna’s trial, a separate Phase 1 study was launched by the University of Oxford in the UK. The initial dose of their candidate was administered on July 24. The Oxford vaccine employs the ChAdOx1 platform, contrasting with Moderna’s messenger RNA approach. The Serum Institute of India manufactured the Oxford vaccine, creating a stockpile of approximately 620,000 doses and providing 4,000 investigational doses for clinical research.
Both programs are supported by CEPI as part of a broader initiative to develop vaccines against Bundibugyo Ebola. The organization also backs two other candidates utilizing recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus technology. IAVI’s candidate is produced with manufacturing support from Hilleman Laboratories, while Public Health Vaccines has developed another. None of these vaccines have received approval for public use. WHO emphasizes that surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, patient management, safe burial practices, and community engagement are vital components of the ongoing response to the outbreak.