Patient enrollment has begun in Africa for clinical trials aimed at finding the first effective treatments for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain (BVD). This was reported by the World Health Organization.
Photo: AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa
The study is being conducted jointly with the National Institute of Biomedical Research of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Belgium, and Oxford University.
During the trials, scientists will evaluate the effectiveness of two antiviral drugs — the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and remdesivir, as well as their combined use. All study participants will be monitored for at least 28 days. If necessary, new drugs may also be included in the program.
The World Health Organization notes that even without special treatment, some patients recover, but effective drugs would save significantly more lives. Researchers hope to get the first results in the coming months.
According to project representatives, conducting clinical trials directly during an outbreak will help not only improve care for current patients but also prepare for potential epidemics in the future.
To date, there are no approved treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, although such drugs are already used for other varieties of the Ebola virus.
According to official data, since the beginning of the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Bundibugyo strain has been detected in over 1,400 people. Nearly 440 patients have died, and about 210 have recovered.
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