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UK scientists developing new Ebola vaccine that could be ready in months
WHO says two experimental vaccines are in development, but a Bundibugyo Ebola shot could still take up to 9 months.
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has 575 suspected cases, 51 confirmed infections, and 148 suspected deaths, prompting the WHO and Africa CDC to declare it a public health emergency.
UK scientists and partners, including the Serum Institute of India and the University of Oxford, are developing new Ebola vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo strain.
Two experimental vaccine candidates based on the rVSV and ChAdOx platforms are under consideration, with the ChAdOx vaccine potentially ready for production faster due to existing manufacturing capabilities.
No licensed vaccine exists specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola, and it could take several months to ensure safe and effective vaccine deployment.
There are two women candidates in development — one based on the Zairian strain vaccine and one inspired by the AstraZeneca for Covid-19. I am already adding 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths in the Congo RD.