A clinical trial to test experimental treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola began in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on July 2, 2026. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the study will evaluate Mapp Biopharmaceutical’s MBP134 antibody and Gilead Sciences’ remdesivir, aiming to address an outbreak that has caused more than 1,400 cases and 438 deaths.
How the Bundibugyo Ebola Treatment Trial Works
The trial, which aims to enroll more than 1,000 patients, serves as a milestone in efforts to combat the epidemic. According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the study will test the efficacy of the MBP134 antibody both as a standalone treatment and in combination with the antiviral drug remdesivir.
Gilead Sciences has committed significant resources to the effort, donating 2,000 vials of remdesivir for the trial, following a previous donation of 2,000 vials for emergency use in June. The WHO reports that drug supplies are currently sufficient, and the organization is negotiating with the United States—which donated the MBP134 supplies—to ensure long-term access for patients if the treatments prove successful.
There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for Ebola’s Bundibugyo strain.
What Challenges Are Impacting the Response?
Despite the medical progress, the outbreak continues to face severe operational hurdles. Dr. Tedros noted that an attack on an Ebola treatment center in Ituri province resulted in two deaths, highlighting the persistent threat of violence and community mistrust.
Data from the WHO indicates that the DRC has recorded an average of 38 new confirmed cases daily over the two-week period leading up to early July 2026. Public health teams are struggling with contact tracing, as the current success rate is approximately four in five contacts reached, leaving a significant gap in surveillance efforts.
How Is Healthcare Capacity Expanding?
Authorities are scaling up infrastructure to manage the high volume of patients. As of early July 2026, there are 650 beds available across treatment facilities, with occupancy rates hovering around 96%. The WHO and its partners are actively working to add 300 additional beds to the system.
Diagnostic capabilities have also seen an increase. There are now 10 laboratories capable of testing for the virus, a vital development for identifying cases earlier and slowing the rate of transmission.
When tracking epidemic data, look for the ratio of “contacts traced” versus “new cases.” A high contact-tracing success rate is a leading indicator of an outbreak being brought under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there currently approved treatments for the Bundibugyo strain? No. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for this specific strain.
- Which drugs are being tested in the DRC? The trial is testing Mapp Biopharmaceutical’s experimental antibody MBP134 and Gilead Sciences’ antiviral drug remdesivir.
- How many beds are available for Ebola patients? There are 650 beds available, with plans to add 300 more to accommodate the high occupancy rates.
Stay informed on public health developments by subscribing to our weekly health newsletter or exploring our archives on global infectious disease trends.