CEPI calls for Ebola proposals, will fast-track three jabs

A global epidemic coalition has called for proposals for new vaccines against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola – a deadly virus which has caused hundreds of suspected deaths across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation (CEPI) added it would fast-track three promising vaccines under development.

“With Bundibugyo virus spreading rapidly and no licensed vaccines, every day counts in the race against this deadly disease,” said Richard Hatchett, CEPI chief executive in a statement. “CEPI’s urgent funding and support for these three promising candidates aims to advance safe, effective vaccines to help control this epidemic.”

The vaccine organisations supported include two behind early COVID-19 vaccines – Moderna and the Oxford Vaccine Group.

CEPI has earmarked up to $8.6 million for the University of Oxford team, up to $50 million for Moderna, and up to $3.2 million for the International AIDS Vaccine Institute (IAVI).

“CEPI’s investment in three Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidates is both timely and critical to Africa’s health,” said Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

CEPI said that it would continue to evaluate additional promising vaccines for the strain though an open Call for Proposals.

The situation is concerning as there is currently no vaccine and no treatment for the rare Ebola strain.

African countries warned last week that it could become the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded, following the 2014 West African outbreak when over 11,000 people died.

The vaccine group Gavi said on Friday (29 May) it had released up to $40 million to support vaccine development, and a further $10 million to help with the vaccine response.

Overall, funders have earmarked $500 million to tackle the outbreak, though only a small fraction of these commitments have actually been delivered.