During the month of October we will be taking a look at some of the results of our Ebola-related research projects. Most of the 12 projects were launched in 2014-2015 when an unprecedented Ebola outbreak ravaged parts of western Africa. The epidemic killed thousands of people and terrified communities, and took two and a half years to be brought under control.
Since then, IMI researchers have been involved in testing the safety, efficacy and durability of two candidate vaccines that show the most promise in preventing infection. Both vaccines, rVSV∆G-ZEBOV-GP and the ‘prime boost’ vaccine regimen (Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo) are currently undergoing clinical trials. Hopefully these will be completed in time to get the vaccines licenced for future outbreaks.
IMI-backed researchers were also tasked with coming up with new diagnostic tests for Ebola. Three rapid, safe and sensitive tests have been shown to be able to single out Ebola from other lookalike viruses, helping to slow down or stop the spread of the disease. One of the diagnostics projects went further; a follow-on project will be able to test for a number of other haemorrhagic fevers. Other projects focused on reducing the onerous conditions for vaccine storage and transport, preparing for large-scale manufacture of vaccines and even running community engagement campaigns for the success of clinical trials.
Check out our website newsroom each week for a new story.
Related
Trial of second Ebola vaccine to start in Democratic Republic of the Congo
As Ebola rages in the DRC, the world is closer than ever to the first licensed vaccine
How do you prepare for a pandemic? by Pierre Meulien, IMI Director
Ebola can now be detected in 15 minutes. Here's how the diagnostic tests work.
Project to team up with African manufacturer to make diagnostic tests
Interview on Ebola preoparedness with African scientist Nicolas Meda
Interview with Mofina project coordinator Edmund Newman
Euronews Futuris video: Vaccine research offers fresh hope against Ebola