The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a critical trial for vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is fueling a deadly outbreak across parts of Africa. The first participant received Merck & Co.’s Ervebo vaccine on Friday in Bunia, eastern Congo. While Ervebo is approved for a different Ebola species, the trial may soon include experimental alternatives developed by Moderna Inc. and a collaboration between the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India.
The outbreak, which originated in Congo, has become the largest ever recorded in the country, with 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths as of October 20, according to the World Health Organization. Infections have also spread beyond Congo’s borders. Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, expressed confidence that the trial can proceed swiftly due to the ongoing uncontrolled spread of the virus.