Production of an experimental Ebola vaccine from the developers of a Covid-19 shot is expected to begin soon, with animal studies underway as researchers race to bring a much-needed tool to the spiraling outbreak.
Clinical trials for the shot could begin in two to three months, said Teresa Lambe, head of vaccine immunology, at the University of Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute. “We are cautiously optimistic around that timing,” she said at a briefing. Animal studies, which are required for a vaccine to be tested in humans, have begun and more will get underway soon.
The Oxford team is working to get the starting material needed to manufacture the vaccine to its partner, the Serum Institute of India, “as quickly as possible,” Lambe said. “We’re hoping to have clinical doses, if needed, within two to three months, all going well.”
There is no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreading in Democratic Republic of Congo. At least one other shot is also in development, but it’s expected to be ready for testing later than Oxford’s. The outbreak is currently spreading faster than responders can contain it, with suspected deaths climbing above 220 and treatment centers under attack. Related News Who is mentoring the market woman? Manufacturers want power, tax reforms, to grow factory output for competitiveness Intrigues as Atiku takes early lead, Hayatu-Deen pulls out of race
