CEPI gives $1.9m to speed up Ebola vaccine development

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has given $1.9 million to speed up the development of a vaccine for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus. This move comes as global health partners boost efforts to tackle ongoing outbreaks in Africa.

The funding was announced in a statement on CEPI’s website on Monday. It was awarded to Public Health Vaccines, LLC (PHV), which has been a long-time partner of CEPI.

CEPI explained that the money will help produce Master Viral Seed stock. This is necessary to move the vaccine into clinical testing.

The Bundibugyo outbreak has led to over 560 confirmed infections and more than 100 deaths.

Currently, there is no licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo virus, and none is in clinical development.

CEPI also stated that it could support future clinical trials if certain development milestones are met. This could lead to emergency use authorisation or eventual licensing of the vaccine.

PHV has committed to making sure any successful vaccine is quickly and affordably available to affected countries and vulnerable people.

This investment marks CEPI's fourth commitment to developing Bundibugyo vaccine candidates. It shows the coalition's efforts to explore different research methods.

CEPI believes that investing in various vaccine platforms increases the chances of providing safe and effective vaccines more quickly.

The organisation has also set up networks of laboratories, clinical trial partners, manufacturers, and regulators to improve outbreak responses and vaccine development.

CEPI is working with Gavi, the World Bank, and other financial institutions to find funding options for manufacturing and procurement.

The Bundibugyo outbreak, along with a recent hantavirus outbreak, shows why ongoing investment in epidemic preparedness and scientific research is crucial.

CEPI's Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hatchett, talked about how fast dangerous viruses can spread in vulnerable communities.

"This epidemic is a stark reminder of how quickly deadly viruses can spread, especially in communities already under immense strain."

"Vaccines could play an important role in bringing the outbreak under control," Mr Hatchett added.

He explained that the vaccine candidate uses the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus platform. This is the same technology used in a licensed vaccine for Zaire ebolavirus.

"The rVSV platform has shown its value in past Zaire ebolavirus outbreaks. This same technology could now be vital in saving lives against Bundibugyo," he said.

Mr Hatchett emphasized that special processes and key research materials needed for vaccine development take time to set up. So, early investment is important.

Michael McGinnis, PHV's Chief Business Officer, welcomed the expanded partnership. He is confident in the potential of the vaccine candidate to help control outbreaks.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our existing partnership with CEPI to now include our Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidate. We look forward to making a meaningful contribution to this and future outbreaks," Mr McGinnis said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bundibugyo Ebola virus is one of the types of Ebola virus that causes severe haemorrhagic fever in humans. It was first found in Uganda in 2007 and can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.