Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
In response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, WHO convened expert groups to assess candidate vaccines and therapeutics for prevention and treatment of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD).
No vaccines or treatments are currently licensed specifically for BVD. WHO advisory groups have identified and prioritized several candidate products for evaluation through clinical trials to generate robust data and ensure safe and ethical research practices.
For treatment of confirmed BVD cases, experts recommended prioritizing three therapeutics: the monoclonal antibodies MBP134 and Maftivimab®, and the antiviral agent remdesivir. Combination therapy using a monoclonal antibody with remdesivir is also suggested for clinical trial evaluation.
For prevention, the oral antiviral obeldesivir was designated a priority candidate for post-exposure prophylaxis among contacts of confirmed or probable cases. Effectiveness may depend on efficient contact tracing, which has faced operational challenges in some affected areas.
The single-dose rVSV Bundibugyo vaccine, developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), was identified as the most promising vaccine candidate and prioritized for evaluation during BVD outbreaks.
WHO is collaborating with national authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to support research activities to test these candidate products in clinical settings.