A clinical trial testing two drugs against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus is set to begin next week, WHO officials announced. The fast-moving outbreak in Central Africa has prompted an urgent response as cases continue to rise. The trial will evaluate treatments from Gilead and Mapp Biopharmaceutical.
The Bundibugyo strain, one of several ebolaviruses, has historically shown lower fatality rates than Zaire ebolavirus but remains a serious threat. This outbreak marks the first major test of targeted therapies against this specific strain. Rapid deployment of the trial underscores the escalating public health concern.
According to WHO, the study will test Gilead's remdesivir alongside MappBio's MBP-134. Remdesivir has been used against other ebolaviruses, while MBP-134 is a monoclonal antibody cocktail. The trial aims to enroll patients at treatment centers in affected regions.
If successful, the treatments could provide the first approved therapies specifically for Bundibugyo ebolavirus. Results may also inform broader pandemic preparedness strategies. WHO is coordinating with local health authorities and international partners to accelerate enrollment.
The trial faces logistical challenges in remote areas with limited infrastructure. Some experts caution that without rapid case detection, even effective drugs may have limited impact on transmission.