WHO launches first trial of antiviral to prevent Bundibugyo strain of Ebola
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) started the first human trial to test an antiviral drug called obeldesivir to prevent infection from the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This trial aims to protect people who have been exposed to the virus but do not yet show symptoms, as the outbreak continues to spread.Key Facts
- The WHO began a clinical trial named EBO-PEP to test obeldesivir as a post-exposure prevention for Ebola.
- Obeldesivir is an experimental antiviral drug taken by mouth and developed by the U.S. company Gilead Sciences.
- The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC has infected over 1,960 people and caused more than 700 deaths.
- The outbreak started in May 2026 in Ituri province, an area with ongoing conflicts.
- Ebola spreads through close contact and infected body fluids.
- The trial plans to recruit around 1,000 participants aged 12 or older who had contact with confirmed Ebola cases in the last five days but have no symptoms.
- Participants will be monitored daily for 21 days, with a final check on day 42.
- WHO warns the true number of cases could be two to four times higher than official counts, with many cases coming from unknown transmission chains.
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