Researchers in eastern Congo have launched a critical clinical trial for two experimental Ebola treatments to combat a growing outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus. The study, involving the antiviral remdesivir and the antibody treatment MBP134, aims to improve survival rates for patients as health officials report more than 1,400 diagnoses and 438 deaths.
How does the new Ebola treatment trial work?
The trial is evaluating whether remdesivir, MBP134, or a combination of both can effectively treat the Bundibugyo strain, for which no specific vaccines or treatments currently exist. According to WHO research adviser Dr. Vasee Moorthy, the study tracks patient survival for 28 days following the initiation of treatment.
The research is a collaborative effort between Congo’s national biomedical research institute (INRB), Britain’s Oxford University, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, among other international partners. Professor Placide Mbala, coordinator of laboratory activities for the current outbreak, noted that the study duration could span three to six months, depending on the progression of the viral spread.
The Bundibugyo virus is less common than others that cause Ebola disease and there are no specific treatments or vaccines for it.
Why is community trust a hurdle for researchers?
Despite the potential for life-saving breakthroughs, medical teams face significant resistance rooted in deep-seated community mistrust. Some residents, such as local shopkeeper Nelson Dhebi, have expressed skepticism, suggesting that political figures should be the first to receive experimental treatments to prove their safety.
This wariness compounds existing challenges in the response effort. Pierre Akilimali, incident manager at Congo’s National Institute of Public Health, reported that nearly three out of four Ebola deaths during this outbreak occur outside of health centers, often because patients do not seek care in time or due to insecurity that restricts access to conflict-affected areas.
What are the next phases of the research?
The current phase of the study is limited to confirmed patients receiving care at the Evangelical Medical Centre in Bunia. Professor Yap Boum, head of emergency response at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that a second phase is planned to include healthcare workers and close contacts of infected individuals.
Expansion to other regions remains a priority for health officials, though implementation depends on security conditions. The virus spreads by contact with sick patients’ bodily fluids, making the safety of healthcare workers—who are often targets of violence in the region—a primary concern for the expansion of the trial.
Pro Tip: Monitoring Outbreak Data
For those tracking the efficacy of the trial, focus on the 28-day survival metrics provided by the WHO.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for the current Ebola trial? Currently, the trial is only open to confirmed Ebola patients receiving treatment at the Evangelical Medical Centre in Bunia.
- What treatments are being tested? The study is testing the antiviral remdesivir and an experimental antibody treatment called MBP134.
- Why is this trial happening now? The Bundibugyo virus lacks specific treatments or vaccines, and this trial seeks to improve survival among patients infected with the virus.
- How long will the study last? Researchers estimate the trial will last between three and six months, depending on how the outbreak evolves.
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