CEPI Infuses $60M Into Moderna, Oxford and Partners for Swift Ebola Vaccine Development

Top Summary

• What happened: CEPI allocated roughly $60 million to Moderna, Oxford, and IAVI to fast-track vaccines against the deadly Ebola Bundibugyo strain.
• Why it matters: There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for this specific strain, which has caused a public health emergency.
• What changes: Candidates could be ready for clinical trials within a couple of months, moving at unprecedented speeds.
• Who is affected: Communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where over 290 total cases have been confirmed.

Global Coalition Funds Fast-Track Vaccines

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has committed roughly $60 million to accelerate vaccine development against the deadly Ebola Bundibugyo (BDBV) virus. The virus is currently spreading through the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

CEPI head Richard Hatchett indicated that candidate vaccines could be ready for human clinical trials within a couple of months. Currently, there are no approved treatments or vaccines available for this specific strain.

The current health crisis has caused 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths in Congo, with around 1,100 suspected cases. Another nine cases and one death have been confirmed in neighboring Uganda.

Moderna Secures Largest Share for mRNA Trials

CEPI has allocated up to $50 million to support the preclinical and early clinical development of Moderna's investigational BDBV vaccine candidate. The funding aims to support manufacturing and progression to advanced-stage trials if early data is positive.

Moderna's chief executive explained that the company aims to simplify the dosing strategy. It remains unclear whether the vaccine will require one or two doses, which will be resolved in Phase 1 trials to be conducted in Africa.

"Our goal is to move as fast as we can without compromising safety, and to be as helpful as we can," said Stephane Bancel, Chief Executive of Moderna.

Oxford, Serum Institute, and IAVI Join the Push

CEPI is also investing up to $8.6 million for a vaccine candidate developed by the University of Oxford and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. This candidate uses the same technology platform as the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Additionally, an initial $3.2 million has been granted to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). The IAVI candidate is a single-dose shot using the same platform as Merck's approved Ervebo vaccine.

Comparing the three fast-tracked vaccine candidates:

• Moderna Candidate: Investigational mRNA-based shot, aiming for simplified dosing of one or two doses.
• Oxford/Serum Candidate (ChAdOx1 Bundibugyo): Built on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine technology, proven to scale rapidly.
• IAVI Candidate: A single-dose vaccine leveraging the established Merck Ervebo platform.

Trial Sponsoring and Logistic Hurdles

While development is moving fast, conducting trials remains highly challenging due to security issues in eastern Congo. Furthermore, the role of organizing these trials is currently uncertain.

IAVI CEO Mark Feinberg noted that the WHO may not assume its historical trial-sponsoring role this time, meaning extra steps are needed to secure leadership.

"We understand from the WHO more recently that they won't be assuming that role in the future," Feinberg stated, adding it would require tens of millions of dollars to enter the clinical phase.

Separately, global vaccine alliance Gavi has committed up to $50 million to the Ebola response, while the World Bank's Pandemic Fund announced up to $220.6 million in grants.

What to Watch Next

Watch for the launch of Phase 1 clinical trials in Africa over the coming months to clarify Moderna's dosing requirements. Additionally, follow whether international health agencies or national governments step up to resolve the sponsorship and security challenges of conducting trials in eastern Congo.