Oxford University gives first ebolavirus vaccine to volunteer in landmark trial
The rapid vaccine development aims to tackle a severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The first volunteer has been vaccinated in the world's first clinical trial aiming to protect people against Bundibugyo ebolavirus.
Researchers at the University of Oxford's Oxford Vaccine Group administered the vaccine as part of the BD-Ebov study, marking the first time the ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine has been given to a person.
The vaccine was developed using the same technology behind the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Scientists say the programme moved from concept to clinical trial in just eight weeks through a collaboration between the University of Oxford, the Serum Institute of India and international partners.
Dr Peter Skydmore, lead study doctor for the trial, said: "Vaccinating the first participants in a first-in-human study is always a significant moment.
"Over the coming months, we will continue vaccinating and monitoring participants, and assessing the safety and immune responses generated by the vaccine."
Professor Teresa Lambe OBE, from the Pandemic Sciences Institute and the Oxford Vaccine Group, added: "This latest step reflects the dedication of the general public and our volunteers in not only supporting but enabling a key response in the face of an ongoing and devastating outbreak.
"Their contribution is helping advance vaccine candidates into communities that need them most."
The trial is supported by an $8.6 million funding programme from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) as Bundibugyo ebolavirus continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI said: "With Bundibugyo cases increasing at a concerning rate in the DRC, this epidemic shows no signs of stopping. The need for a vaccine against this specific Ebolavirus becomes more urgent every day.
"The rapid work of the Oxford team to begin early-stage testing of their vaccine is a much-needed step towards developing the tools that could help bring this outbreak to an end."
If early-stage trials are successful, larger international studies are planned, with preparations also underway for further clinical trials in Uganda, subject to regulatory approval.