UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeks
Summary
The UK has started testing a new Ebola vaccine developed quickly after a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The vaccine uses a technology similar to the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine and will soon be given to healthy volunteers in early trials.Key Facts
- Scientists at the University of Oxford developed the Ebola vaccine in eight weeks after an outbreak was declared on May 17.
- The vaccine targets the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which has caused previous outbreaks and lacks approved treatments or vaccines.
- Early trials will involve 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55 in the UK, with volunteers monitored for a year.
- The vaccine uses a harmless chimpanzee cold virus to deliver a small part of the Ebola virus genome to stimulate the immune system.
- Similar to the Covid vaccine method, the vaccine does not cause infection but helps the body prepare to fight Ebola.
- The vaccine has been tested on animals and is produced by the Serum Institute of India, with about 620,000 doses ready for use.
- The UK drug regulator has approved human trials after reviewing safety and effectiveness data.
- Researchers are also preparing to test the vaccine in Africa, near affected areas.
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