Introduction
Clinical trials for treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease began on July 2 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The goal is to develop a standard treatment for the strain, whose current outbreak has already resulted in nearly 1,500 confirmed cases and more than 450 deaths.
The context of the epidemic
According to the DRC health authorities, clinical trials targeting this rare strain of Ebola, which is affecting the eastern part of the DRC, were officially launched on July 2 at the Evangelical Medical Center in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province.
"During this epidemic, we also needed to conduct research to find specific drugs to treat this Ebola virus disease and to identify an effective molecule we can use to treat patients suffering from Ebola," said Dieudonné Mwamba Kazadi, director of the National Institute of Public Health and coordinator of the response to what is now the DRC's 17th Ebola epidemic, to Mongabay.
The clinical trials
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), three molecules will be studied in these clinical trials: Remdesivir and MBP134 for patients confirmed to be carrying the Bundibugyo virus, and Obeldsivir — a post-exposure prophylactic treatment to be administered to individuals exposed to the virus, including frontline response personnel.
Community reactions
Djodjo Mbusa, a resident of Bunia, welcomed news of the trials, saying they would contribute to the region's health security.
"These trials are important for us, ordinary residents affected by this disease. Since they say it is for a potential treatment, I consider it good news," said Mbusa.
Conclusion
The ongoing clinical trials in the Democratic Republic of Congo represent a hope for controlling the Ebola epidemic and finding an effective treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. It is essential that the international community supports these efforts and that health authorities continue to work in close collaboration to combat this threat to global health.
Source / Reference
Source: Mongabay