Moderna and other groups get $60 million to develop Ebola vaccine

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced a $60 million funding package to Moderna, the University of Oxford, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) to fast-track development of a vaccine against Ebola Bundibugyo (BDBV), a deadly virus currently spreading in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. CEPI, which previously backed COVID-19 vaccine development, aims to have vaccine candidates ready for clinical trials within two months, though security challenges in Congo may complicate testing. Moderna will receive up to $50 million for preclinical and early clinical development of its BDBV vaccine, with additional funding contingent on positive trial results. The University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India will get up to $8.6 million for their vaccine candidate, while IAVI’s single-dose vaccine—using the same technology as Merck’s approved Ebola Zaire vaccine, Ervebo—will receive an initial $3.2 million. IAVI CEO Mark Feinberg noted that clinical trials for the BDBV vaccine will require significant funding and coordination, as the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated it will not sponsor future trials. The current outbreak has recorded 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths in Congo, with 1,100 suspected cases, while Uganda has confirmed nine cases, including one death. Global health agencies declared the outbreak a public health emergency. CEPI’s Richard Hatchett warned that vaccine rollout access remains a challenge, citing the need for 300,000 doses of Ervebo to control a previous Ebola Zaire outbreak in the same region. Separately, Gavi committed up to $50 million to the Ebola response, and the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund pledged up to $220.6 million in grants. Hatchett emphasized the urgency of preparing for vaccine distribution, though he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of vaccine development and the logistical hurdles in eastern Congo.