Study finds Merck’s Ervebo may protect against Bundibugyo Ebola strain, prompting calls for DRC testing

New data from a human study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests Merck's Ervebo vaccine, licensed for the Zaire ebolavirus, may also offer protection against the Bundibugyo species driving a rapidly expanding outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The findings add to a growing body of research indicating cross‑protective potential and have revived expert calls to evaluate Ervebo in the DRC outbreak zone.

The World Health Organization has so far given only tentative support, continuing to prioritize vaccines specifically designed for Bundibugyo, which are still months away from availability.

If further trials confirm efficacy, Ervebo could serve as an interim tool while dedicated Bundibugyo vaccines are completed.