CEPI Invests $1.9m in Ebola Vaccine Research

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has committed new funding to accelerate the development of a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has awarded $1.9 million to Public Health Vaccines (PHV) to support the advancement of a promising Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine candidate. The funding forms part of wider global efforts to strengthen outbreak response measures and improve preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.

According to CEPI, the investment will fund the rapid production of Master Viral Seed stock, a critical requirement for moving the investigational vaccine into clinical testing. The coalition noted that the ongoing Bundibugyo outbreak has already recorded more than 560 confirmed infections and over 100 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive measures.

At present, no licensed vaccine exists for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, and no candidate has yet entered clinical development. CEPI stated that if key development milestones are achieved, it may also support future clinical trials, creating a pathway towards emergency use authorisation and eventual regulatory approval.

The organisation explained that this funding marks its fourth investment in investigational Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine programmes. By supporting multiple vaccine platforms simultaneously, CEPI aims to increase the chances of delivering safe and effective vaccines within shorter timeframes.

The coalition has also brought together laboratory networks, manufacturers, clinical trial partners and regulatory authorities to strengthen vaccine development and outbreak response activities. In addition, it continues to work with organisations such as Gavi and the World Bank to explore financing options for vaccine manufacturing and procurement.

CEPI Chief Executive Officer Richard Hatchett described the outbreak as a warning about the speed at which dangerous diseases can spread.

“This epidemic is a stark reminder of how quickly deadly viruses can spread, especially in communities already under immense strain. Vaccines could play an important role in bringing the outbreak under control,” he said.

Hatchett added that the vaccine candidate uses the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus platform, the same technology employed in a licensed vaccine against Zaire ebolavirus. He stressed that early investment remains essential because specialised research materials and development processes require significant time to establish.

PHV Chief Business Officer Michael McGinnis welcomed the expanded partnership and expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact on future outbreak control efforts.

The Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine initiative comes as health experts continue to emphasise the importance of scientific innovation and sustained investment in epidemic preparedness to protect vulnerable populations worldwide.

Could increased global investment in vaccine research help the world respond more effectively to future disease outbreaks?