A pivotal trial for vaccines targeting the Ebola strain responsible for a deadly outbreak in Africa has commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The first participant received Merck & Co.’s Ervebo vaccine on Friday in Bunia, eastern Congo. This vaccine has already been approved for a different Ebola species but is now being tested against the current strain.
Within weeks, the study may also include an experimental vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. specifically for the Bundibugyo strain, as well as another vaccine created by the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India. The trial aims to address the epidemic that originated in Congo, where most cases and deaths have occurred.