The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has awarded $1.9 million to accelerate the development of a vaccine candidate against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus.

The development is aimed at supporting response efforts to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda.

According to a statement published on CEPI’s website on Monday, the funding was awarded to Public Health Vaccines, LLC, a long-standing partner of the coalition.

The statement said the funding would support the rapid production of Master Viral Seed stock required to advance the investigational vaccine into clinical testing.

It noted that the Bundibugyo outbreak had resulted in more than 560 confirmed infections and over 100 confirmed deaths.

According to the statement, no licensed vaccine currently exists against the Bundibugyo virus, and none is currently undergoing clinical development.

It also said CEPI could support future clinical trials if development milestones are achieved, paving the way for emergency use authorisation or eventual licensure.

The statement added that PHV had committed to ensuring rapid and affordable access to any successful vaccine for affected countries and vulnerable populations.

The coalition said the investment represented its fourth commitment to investigational Bundibugyo vaccine candidates, reflecting efforts to diversify research approaches.

According to CEPI, parallel investments across multiple vaccine platforms increase the likelihood of delivering safe and effective vaccines in shorter timelines.

The organisation said it had also mobilised laboratory networks, clinical trial partners, manufacturers and regulators to strengthen outbreak response and vaccine development activities.

It added that collaboration was ongoing with Gavi, the World Bank and other development finance institutions to explore financing options for manufacturing and procurement.

The organisation said the Bundibugyo outbreak, alongside a recent hantavirus outbreak, highlighted the importance of sustained investment in epidemic preparedness and scientific innovation.

In the statement, CEPI’s CEO, Richard Hatchett, described the epidemic as a reminder of how rapidly dangerous viruses could spread in vulnerable communities.

“This epidemic is a stark reminder of how quickly deadly viruses can spread, especially in communities already under immense strain. Vaccines could play an important role in bringing the outbreak under control,” Mr Hatchett said.

He said the vaccine candidate used the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus platform, the same technology employed in a licensed vaccine against Zaire ebolavirus.

(NAN)