CEPI Allocates Funding to Support Development of Ebola Vaccine Candidates
Global health organization CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) has announced funding of approximately $60 million to accelerate the development of vaccine candidates against the Ebola Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), a strain currently affecting parts of Central and East Africa.
The funding will support vaccine development efforts by Moderna, the University of Oxford in partnership with the Serum Institute of India, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI).
According to CEPI, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically designed for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The organization aims to help advance research, manufacturing, and clinical testing to improve preparedness against future outbreaks.
Moderna will receive up to $50 million to support preclinical research, early-stage clinical trials, and vaccine production activities. The company said the funding could also help advance the candidate into larger studies if initial results prove promising.
Additional support of up to $8.6 million has been allocated to the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India for their vaccine program, while IAVI will receive initial funding of $3.2 million for further development of its vaccine candidate.
Health experts say vaccine research remains an important tool in strengthening global responses to infectious disease outbreaks. However, they note that conducting clinical trials in outbreak-affected regions can present logistical and operational challenges.
The Bundibugyo strain has been linked to confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. International health agencies continue to monitor the situation and support public health measures in affected areas.
CEPI officials emphasized that alongside vaccine development, ensuring future access and distribution of vaccines will be critical for effective outbreak response.
The latest investments form part of broader international efforts to strengthen preparedness against emerging infectious diseases and improve global health security.
