Ebola vaccine tests in affected regions?

Ebola vaccine will soon be tested in West Africa

01/18/2015

Among other things, German researchers are working to ensure that a vaccine against Ebola can soon be tested in the outbreak area in West Africa. The deadly infectious disease has already fallen victim to more than 8,400 people. On vaccine trials that start in the coming weeks, experts have now expressed doubts.

German researchers satisfied with results
Marburg researchers are also working hard to ensure that an Ebola vaccine can soon be tested in the outbreak area of ​​West Africa, the news agency dpa reports. As the virologist Stephan Becker of the University of Marburg announced, it should start in late January or early February. The scientist was satisfied with the first, partly preliminary results of the international study: „I think everyone is happy that no serious side effects have occurred.“

Side effects were expected
The clinical trial of the vaccine against the deadly virus started in November. 200 to 300 participants will be vaccinated in Hamburg, Switzerland, and in the African countries Gabon and Kenya, which are not affected by the current outbreak. The Marburg researchers then examine their blood samples for antibodies. The aim was to test the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. According to Becker, according to Becker, side effects such as joint pain had occurred, but these were to be expected and also subsided by themselves. According to his preliminary results show that the participants react with an immune response to the vaccine. „Of course, we do not know if this immune response can protect the subject against Ebola.“ This could only be tested in the outbreak area.

Start large vaccine trials
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ebola epidemic in West Africa has already killed over 8,400 people and infected over 21,000 people. In the case of infected people, due to a lack of remedies or approved vaccines, only the typical Ebola symptoms can be treated so far. In the coming weeks, major vaccine trials are scheduled to begin in the epidemic areas of West Africa. But experts have doubts about the success of the planned Ebola vaccine studies, as reported. Accordingly, scientists and pharmaceutical manufacturers fear that vaccine efficacy may be difficult to substantiate. (Ad)