UPDATE 1-UNICEF, Gavi launch call to speed Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine access

Adds background in bullet 3, 4

June 24 (Reuters) - UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said on Wednesday they are seeking information from developers and manufacturers on plans for a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

The move follows a commitment of up to $40 million from Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, to support faster access, including funding to help scale up manufacturing and ensure doses are available if candidates prove effective.


Here are some details:

  • UNICEF said the call would gather details on timelines, production plans and candidate suitability to help prioritize vaccine efforts with partners including the World Health Organization and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

  • There is currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, which is behind the ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

  • Vaccine efforts are being led by a handful of developers, including the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, which is advancing an rVSV-based candidate, as well as Oxford University and Serum Institute of India developing another vaccine candidate, ChAdOx1.

  • Moderna MRNA.O is also developing an mRNA-based shot with CEPI support and privately held Public Health Vaccines is developing a vaccine similar to Merck's MRK.N Ervebo.

  • The outbreaks have recorded more than 1,000 cases and more than 250 deaths so far, underscoring the urgency of developing effective shots.

  • Gavi said the initiative would support manufacturing readiness, regulatory pathways and early access to experimental doses for emergency use, with preference given to proposals involving production in Africa.

  • Gavi has committed a total of $50 million through its First Response Fund to support the outbreak response.

  • This includes up to $10 million to safeguard routine immunization, protect healthcare workers and aid response efforts, alongside $40 million earmarked to accelerate vaccine access.

  • The U.S. plans to provide $50 million in funding to the CEPI to develop ​medical countermeasures for the rare strain of Ebola, the State Department said earlier this month.


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