Kampala, Uganda — The World Health Organization (WHO) has commenced the first clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of the antiviral drug obeldesivir in preventing the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
The trial, known as EBO — PEP, is being conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the deadly virus is spreading.
The EBO — PEP trial is designed to evaluate obeldesivir as a post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals who have been in contact with confirmed Bundibugyo cases. Developed by the US pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, the drug has demonstrated efficacy in pre-clinical models against filoviruses, the family that includes the Ebola virus.
The trial is of critical importance as there is currently no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, and effective treatments are limited.
The DRC’s latest figures indicate that the virus has infected over 1,960 people and killed more than 700 since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
The trial participants are being recruited at PEP centers adjacent to Ebola treatment centers operated by the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) NGO in Bunia and Rwampara, Ituri.
The trial aims to enroll nearly 1,000 participants aged 12 and over who have been in direct contact with a confirmed case within the preceding five days but are not showing symptoms. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed hope that the trial could be a significant step forward in preventing the disease among high-risk contacts. “Every breakthrough begins with hope, “he said emphasizing the importance of such trials in the fight against Ebola.
As the trial progresses, the global health community is closely monitoring the results, hoping that obeldesivir can fulfill its promise and become an effective tool in the fight against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE 24
