CEPI Pledges Funding to Accelerate Ebola Vaccine Development for Bundibugyo Strain

A global body established to accelerate vaccine development has committed funding to advance experimental Ebola vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo strain. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has pledged approximately $60 million to $62 million toward speeding up progress on vaccine candidates, according to multiple reports.

Moderna is among the groups receiving funding to develop an mRNA-based Ebola vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain. Ars Technica reported that Moderna will receive $50 million for this effort. The Japan Times reported a broader figure of $60 million allocated to Moderna and other groups for Ebola vaccine development.

Richard Hatchett, head of CEPI, provided a timeline for the vaccine development process. According to the Japan Times, Hatchett said that it was possible to get Ebola Bundibugyo (BDBV) vaccines ready for trials within a couple of months.

The funding announcement comes amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak. Ars Technica reported that officials are working to "urgently accelerate development" of vaccines in response to the outbreak. Channel 4 News characterized the pledge as part of an effort to speed up progress on experimental jabs aimed at tackling the virus responsible for the current Ebola outbreak.

The Bundibugyo strain, abbreviated as BDBV, is one of several Ebola virus strains. The vaccine development efforts supported by CEPI are focused specifically on addressing this strain.

CEPI was established as a global body with the mission of accelerating vaccine development for emerging infectious diseases. The organization's funding commitment represents an international response to the public health challenge posed by the Ebola outbreak.

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