New Vaccines for Filoviruses Are on the Way
Researchers from the University of Oxford are teaming up with multiple partners to create new vaccines that target several deadly filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg. These viruses cause significant outbreaks in Africa, leading to high mortality rates and health emergencies.
With nearly $26.7 million in funding from CEPI and the European Union, the Oxford Vaccine Group is set to develop vaccines that offer protection against not just known threats but also potential future filoviruses. Currently, only two licensed vaccines exist for Ebola, while Sudan and Marburg viruses lack approved vaccines.
The aim is to create multivalent vaccines, which can defend against a variety of filoviruses. Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, emphasized the pressing need for such vaccines, especially after a recent Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia. “These viruses can trigger serious epidemics,” he noted. A vaccine that protects broadly could be groundbreaking.
Professor Teresa Lambe from the Oxford Vaccine Group raised concerns about the increasing frequency of filovirus outbreaks. She believes that while immediate solutions are essential, long-term protection through multivalent vaccines is critical for community health.
Importantly, this effort includes advanced AI technology from Leipzig University to aid in designing effective vaccine candidates. This collaboration between Oxford and Leipzig could quicken the vaccine development process, which is crucial as new viral threats emerge regularly.
The European Commission’s representatives support this initiative, highlighting its dual focus on addressing current viral issues and preparing for potential future pandemics. The commitment to equitable access means that any successful vaccine will be priced fairly and made available to those in need, aiming to protect global health.
This project is part of CEPI’s “100 Days Mission,” which strives to ensure a swift international response to future pandemic threats. The technologies employed here are designed for quick adaptations and mass production, essential for future outbreaks.
In addition to creating new vaccines, this collaboration will enhance CEPI’s “Disease X Vaccine Library,” a vital resource that collects data on high-risk viral families. This library prepares scientists to respond rapidly in case of a new health risk.
In a world where new viruses can emerge unexpectedly, advancing vaccine technology and widespread access to vaccines are more important than ever. The Oxford Vaccine Group, CEPI, and their partners are taking significant steps toward developing solutions that could save countless lives in the face of future outbreaks.
For more on CEPI’s mission and efforts, visit CEPI’s website.
