STAT+: Global coalition to fast-track three vaccines targeting Ebola outbreak with $62 million in funding

STAT PlusIn the Lab Global coalition to fast-track three vaccines targeting Ebola outbreak with $62 million in funding Trials for drug to combat Bundibugyo in Democratic Republic of Congo probably months away Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Helen BranswellJune 1, 2026 Infectious Diseases Correspondent Helen BranswellHelen Branswell covers issues broadly related to infectious diseases, including outbreaks, preparedness, research, and vaccine development. Follow her on Mastodon and Bluesky. You can reach Helen on Signal at hbranswell.01.

With no licensed vaccines available to protect against the Ebola virus currently spreading in Democratic Republic of Congo, efforts are underway to fast-track development of at least three vaccines. But even with infusions of cash to help fund the work, it is likely to be months before clinical trials of vaccines that specifically target the Bundibugyo ebolavirus can begin. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced Monday that it is providing three entities with roughly $62 million in funding to help manufacture and test Bundibugyo vaccines.

The only licensed Ebola vaccine, Merck’s Ervebo, targets the Zaire ebolavirus.Advertisement Bundibugyo virus has rarely caused outbreaks in the past; only two previous epidemics, in 2007 and 2012, have been recorded. Because it has been so infrequently seen, work to develop vaccines and therapeutics to use against this particular form of Ebola has trailed development of tools to combat other filoviruses — the family to which Ebola belongs — such as Sudan ebolavirus or Marburg, a separate virus that triggers disease similar to that caused by Ebola viruses. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account?

Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In global health, infectious disease, public health, Vaccines Submit a correction requestReprints Helen Branswell Infectious Diseases Correspondent Helen Branswell covers issues broadly related to infectious diseases, including outbreaks, preparedness, research, and vaccine development.

Follow her on Mastodon and Bluesky. You can reach Helen on Signal at hbranswell.01. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Biotech June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Abivax ulcerative colitis drug shows strong efficacy, but cases of cancer raise concerns Biotech June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: At ASCO, talk of barriers to cancer care, new treatments, and other big takeaways Advertisement Health June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: At the world’s largest cancer research meeting, data briefly took a backseat to grief Health June 1, 2026 As FDA misses deadline on electric shock ban, disability advocates speak out Health Care Inc.

Newsletter June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare’s mum on GLP-1s, and Massachusetts sues United Subscriber Picks