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Ebola/Marburg Vaccine Development

Building on their previous results that showed that the prime-boost vaccination strategy produced a strong, long-lasting immune response in vaccinated non-human primates, scientists at the VRC, in collaboration with researchers at the US Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Disease (USAMRIID), developed an accelerated Ebola vaccine. The scientists tested whether the immune response mounted against the boost component alone would be sufficient to protect monkeys against Ebola infection. They discovered that monkeys vaccinated with only the boost survived, even those who received high doses of Ebola virus.

In October 2005, the VRC completed a two-year study of the first human trial of a DNA vaccine designed to prevent Ebola infection. The trial was comprised of three vaccinations given over three months, and study participants were followed for one year. Results show that this DNA vaccine was safe and well tolerated with no significant adverse events, and it was capable of inducing an immune response.

Based on previous studies showing protection in monkeys, VRC scientists have recently developed a fast-acting, single shot experimental Ebola vaccine for humans. A Phase I adenovirus vaccine trial in humans began in September 2006 and is currently ongoing. If this vaccine proves effective, it could one day be used to quickly contain Ebola outbreaks with ring vaccination—the same strategy used in the past against smallpox. The ring vaccination strategy, which requires a fast-acting vaccine, not only protects people who may have been exposed to Ebola but also creates an added barrier of immunity around them, thereby protecting the entire community.

The VRC is evaluating a new Ebola DNA vaccine and Marburg DNA vaccine in Phase Ib studies. These studies are testing the safety and immunogenicity of candidate vaccines expressing the immunogen wild type glycoprotein.

Related Links

NIH press release - November 18, 2003
The first human trial of a vaccine designed to prevent Ebola infection opened today. NIAID Ebola Vaccine Enters Human Trial.

NIH press release - August 6, 2003
A single shot of a fast-acting, experimental Ebola vaccine successfully protects monkeys from the deadly virus after only one month. Fast-Acting Ebola Vaccine Protects Monkeys.

NIH press release - November 29, 2000
This study describes the first primate model of immune protection against Ebola virus, a model that may allow scientists to rationally design a vaccine that prevents this dreaded disease in humans. Novel Vaccine Protects Monkeys from Ebola Infection.