Oxford Scientists Develop Bundibugyo Ebola Vaccine for Trials in 2-3 Months
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 22
Oxford Scientists Develop Bundibugyo Ebola Vaccine for Trials in 2-3 Months
6 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 22
Oxford University scientists have built an experimental vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola species, with the WHO saying it could enter clinical trials within two to three months.
The push comes as the DR Congo outbreak reaches 750 suspected cases and 177 deaths, prompting the WHO to declare an international health emergency and raise national risk to very high.
The shot uses Oxford's ChAdOx1 platform—the same adaptable technology used in its Covid vaccine—and animal testing is already under way in Oxford.
India's Serum Institute is lined up to mass-produce doses once medical-grade material is ready, potentially giving this candidate a faster path than another Bundibugyo vaccine expected in six to nine months.
Bundibugyo has caused only two previous outbreaks since 2007 and still lacks a proven vaccine, so any deployment would likely focus on ring vaccination of contacts and healthcare workers.
As a new Ebola vaccine is fast-tracked, should the existing Zaire vaccine be used now despite uncertain protection?
A new Ebola vaccine is coming, but can it reach those in need when the outbreak is in a conflict zone?
Instead of chasing individual outbreaks, why isn't there a universal vaccine that could stop all Ebola viruses at once?
Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak 2026: The Urgent Race for a Strain-Specific Vaccine and Global Preparedness
Overview
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its 17th Ebola outbreak, this time caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) strain, which has previously triggered outbreaks in Uganda and the DRC. BDBV, along with Zaire and Sudan ebolavirus, is endemic to central Africa and has an average case fatality rate of 37%, making it a serious public health threat. The urgent need for immediate and coordinated action is clear, as the international community and local authorities work together to contain the outbreak and address the challenges posed by this dangerous virus.