Scientists Launch Trials of the World’s First Vaccine Against the Dangerous Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Strain

Scientists at the University of Oxford have begun testing the world's first vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus amid the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, Euronews reports.

The Phase I clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine's safety and the immune response it generates in 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55.

"Every step toward a safe and effective vaccine strengthens our ability to protect vulnerable communities, save lives, and bring this outbreak under control," said Nicole Lurie of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), describing the University of Oxford's work as "a critical milestone" in the global outbreak response.

The Oxford team has already begun recruiting volunteers for the study. According to a press release from the Oxford Vaccine Group, participants will receive the vaccine in the coming weeks once regulatory approval for the trial is finalized, followed by scheduled follow-up visits to monitor safety and immune responses.

Additional clinical trials are also being prepared in Uganda. Pending regulatory approval, they will be conducted by the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the Uganda Research Unit of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

"As affected countries continue responding to this outbreak, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention welcomes the rapid scientific progress being achieved while maintaining the highest standards of safety, regulatory oversight, and partnership," said Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa CDC.

He added that although early-stage clinical trials do not provide an immediate solution for communities already affected by the outbreak, they are essential for developing tools to combat both current and future epidemics.

The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is among the largest ever recorded, with the number of infections continuing to rise.

As of July 11, the Congolese Ministry of Health had confirmed 1,926 cases and 702 deaths across five provinces. On July 12, Ugandan authorities reported 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths.

According to the Congolese Ministry of Health, ten provinces, including Kinshasa, are now considered high-risk areas.

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