Now Reading: Moderna starts human trial of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine
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Moderna starts human trial of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine
Moderna has begun a first human trial of an experimental vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a strain with no approved vaccine. Health Canada cleared the early-stage study, and the first volunteers have received…
The Story in Brief
Moderna has begun a first human trial of an experimental vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a strain with no approved vaccine. Health Canada cleared the early-stage study, and the first volunteers have received the mRNA-1469 shot, the company said on August 4.
The Canadian trial will involve about 80 healthy adults at three sites and assess safety and immune response. The work is backed by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which has pledged up to $50 million. The Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo had recorded 3,748 confirmed cases and 1,657 deaths by August 1, according to US CDC data. Moderna says it plans to provide at least 500,000 doses to lower-income countries if the vaccine is approved.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that a first trial means an Ebola vaccine is nearly ready would be premature. This study tests safety and immune response in just 80 healthy adults, not protection during an outbreak. The opposite claim, that mRNA technology cannot work beyond Covid-19, is also unsupported by this early evidence. The practical test is whether later trials show protection and whether the promised 500,000 doses reach affected countries at access pricing.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
