The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended prioritising three experimental treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, as part of efforts to strengthen response measures amid an ongoing outbreak in parts of Africa. The guidance comes as health authorities race to identify effective therapies for a virus strain that currently has no approved specific vaccine or treatment.
Among the drugs highlighted are Mapp Biopharmaceutical’s MBP134, Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment maftivimab, and Gilead Sciences’ antiviral remdesivir. The WHO said these candidates, along with other potential vaccines, should be tested in controlled clinical trials to gather critical data on their safety and effectiveness.
General health experts note that emerging outbreaks of rare viral strains often require rapid coordination between global agencies, governments and pharmaceutical companies. In such situations, experimental therapies are sometimes prioritised under strict monitoring to accelerate understanding of their potential impact while maintaining ethical safeguards.
The WHO also confirmed that an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain is currently active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with additional cases reported in Uganda. The situation has raised regional concern, prompting border control measures, including restrictions between the two countries as authorities attempt to contain further spread.
At present, there are no approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola. However, Regeneron has stated that supplies of maftivimab are already available in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and could be deployed if required under WHO-led research efforts.
For preventive use, Gilead’s experimental oral antiviral obeldesivir has also been identified as a candidate for post-exposure protection, particularly among individuals who have had contact with confirmed cases. Health experts stress that its effectiveness will depend heavily on efficient contact tracing and rapid response systems.
General commentary from global health authorities highlights that preparedness and early intervention remain crucial in controlling Ebola outbreaks, especially in regions where healthcare infrastructure may be under strain. Coordinated international support is often seen as a key factor in reducing mortality and preventing wider transmission.
In terms of vaccines, a single-dose candidate known as rVSV Bundibugyo, developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, is considered promising but is still months away from readiness for clinical trials. Another candidate, ChAdOx1 Bundibugyo developed by Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India, could be available sooner, although further animal testing data is still required.
The WHO also reviewed Merck’s Ervebo vaccine, the only licensed Ebola vaccine currently in use, but stated it should not be deployed outside research settings for this strain due to limited evidence of effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus. Health officials further recommended studying combination therapies involving monoclonal antibodies and antivirals to improve treatment outcomes.
The agency is currently working with authorities in Congo and Uganda, alongside partners such as Africa CDC, to design and implement clinical trials under strict ethical guidelines as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.
