African CDC said funding gaps remain for clinical trials evaluating candidate therapeutics for the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Bunia in the DR Congo this week to contribute to the development of medical countermeasures for the virus.
The centre in a statement on Tuesday called on governments, multilateral development banks, philanthropic organisations, the private sector, and global partners to provide $16million within days to close a funding gap that threatens clinical trials against the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no licensed vaccine or therapy.
The ongoing Bundibugyo outbreak is unlike recent Ebola epidemics. The absence of any licensed vaccine or therapeutic for this strain makes it a scientifically and operationally challenging outbreak Every day without sufficient financing allows the virus to spread further, increases the humanitarian burden, and raises the risk of regional and international transmission.
Working with WHO, Africa CDC, ANRS, Oxford University, IAVI, CEPI, Gilead Sciences\ and other partners, Africa has assembled one of the fastest scientific mobilisations ever mounted against a newly emerging Ebola strain.
The portfolio includes the first post-exposure prophylaxis trial, using obeldesivir to prevent infection among exposed contacts; adaptive randomized treatment trials evaluating remdesivir, MBP134, to reduce mortality among infected patients; cross-protection vaccine studies; and accelerated development and manufacturing of next-generation Bundibugyo-specific vaccines.
Financing for the vaccine trials is largely in place. The gap is in therapeutics. Of the $26 million needed to run the therapeutics trials, $10 million has been secured leaving a shortfall of $18 million.
This comprises $16 million to continue and complete the post-exposure prophylaxis study among exposed contacts and $2-3 million to ensure sufficient contract tracing to enable the trial.
“We have the science. We now need the funding to use it. Clinical trials must start this week, and every day of delay costs lives we could save,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.
The Africa CDC described this an an investment in proving that Africa and the global community can rapidly develop, test, and deploy lifesaving countermeasures against emerging pathogens while building preparedness for future pandemics.
WN/as/APA