Scientists Accelerate Bundibugyo Ebola Treatment Development Amid Growing Outbreak]

Medical teams in Rwampara, Democratic Republic of Congo, are providing critical care for Ebola patients, including rehydration, blood transfusions, and respiratory support. This represents significant progress compared to earlier outbreaks, with more treatment options and higher survival rates now available. However, a specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus, the strain causing the current East Africa outbreak, remains unavailable.

The current outbreak has infected at least 695 people with 138 deaths. While two drugs recommended by the World Health Organization effectively treat Ebola virus, they may not work against Bundibugyo due to significant evolutionary differences between the virus species.

Initial studies suggested some treatments might combat Bundibugyo, but research was deprioritized when the virus caused only two small outbreaks previously. With limited research funding, scientists had to focus on other threats. “If you were a betting person, you would not have bet on Bundibugyo to cause something large,” noted Dr. Thomas Geisbert of the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Researchers are now rushing to identify drugs for clinical trials. The WHO has identified several candidates, including MBP-134, a monoclonal antibody effective against Bundibugyo in animal studies and early human trials. American physician Dr. Peter Stafford recovered after receiving MBP-134 and remdesivir in Berlin, though it’s unclear which treatment contributed to his recovery.

The WHO recommends MBP-134, remdesivir, maftivimab, and obeldesivir for clinical testing. Traditional trials often take too long, as outbreaks frequently end before results emerge.Dr. Amanda Rojek of the University of Oxford is testing remdesivir in both Marburg and Bundibugyo outbreaks using an accelerated trial design.

Critically, remdesivir is inexpensive and available as a generic. Research on obeldesivir suggests it might provide post-exposure prophylaxis, potentially protecting contacts before symptoms develop.

Access questions persist. While Ridgeback Biotherapeutics provided some ansuvimab during previous outbreaks, most treatments remain stockpiled in the U.S. national security repository, raising concerns about availability for affected populations.

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