The World Health Organization has recommended clinical trials for two new vaccines designed to target the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved clinical trials for two new Ebola vaccines as health officials work to control an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain. The outbreak, which has been active since May 15, 2026, has killed more than 5,300 people, with the vast majority of fatalities occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
WHO expert groups have recommended adding two vaccine candidates to ongoing trials. These vaccines are designed specifically to combat the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists. The candidates are:
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that a trial began last month using the Ervebo vaccine, but stated that while Ervebo is approved for the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus, it is not designed for the Bundibugyo strain.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 10,444 cases of the Bundibugyo virus have been confirmed. The outbreak is described as the fastest-growing in the DRC's history.
Regional reports include:
The DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research is leading the clinical trials, with support from the WHO and other partners. Results from the vaccine trials are expected in early 2027.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to lift travel restrictions, stating, “Such restrictions punish countries for doing the right thing, create disincentives for transparency, and harm the response.” He also emphasized that vaccines are not substitutes for established public health measures, including "early care, contact tracing, isolation, safe and dignified burials and trusted engagement with communities."
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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