Moderna begins Ebola vaccine trial

 Moderna, Inc said on Tuesday that it vaccinated the first participants in a Phase 1 trial of its experimental mRNA vaccine against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) strain, for which no approved vaccine currently exists.

The Canadian study is projected to enroll approximately 80 healthy adults and test the vaccine's safety and ability to produce an immune response. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) dedicated up to $50 million to support the trial and vaccine production.

The BDBV strain has caused more than 3,000 confirmed cases and 1,400 deaths during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If approved, Moderna plans to make at least 500,000 doses available to mid- and lower-income countries. "Vaccinating the first participants with mRNA-1469 marks an important milestone," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said. "We are grateful to CEPI, Health Canada, the investigators and study participants for their contributions to advance this work," he added.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Moderna-begins-Ebola-vaccine-trial/66848983