Moderna Secures $50 Million CEPI Funding for Bundibugyo Ebolavirus Vaccine
MRNA•CEPI commits $50 million to support preclinical development and Phase 1 testing of Moderna's investigational Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidate, including parallel manufacturing of doses ahead of potential Phase 2/3 trials. The collaboration leverages Moderna's mRNA platform and prior filovirus research to address over 900 suspected cases and 220 deaths in the current Ebola outbreak.
1. CEPI Expands Collaboration
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has committed up to $50 million to support Moderna’s preclinical development and Phase 1 clinical testing of its investigational Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidate. Funding will also underwrite parallel manufacturing activities to produce doses while safety and immunogenicity data are gathered, positioning the program for rapid transition into larger Phase 2/3 trials upon positive Phase 1 results.
2. Leveraging mRNA Technology and Filovirus Expertise
Moderna’s BDBV vaccine candidate is built on its established mRNA platform, which demonstrated rapid development and scalability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program draws on the company’s existing filovirus research, aiming to harness mRNA’s precise antigen expression to induce robust immune responses against the Bundibugyo strain.
3. Outbreak Urgency and Public Health Impact
The current Bundibugyo outbreak, designated a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, has seen over 900 suspected cases and more than 220 deaths, making it the third largest filovirus outbreak in history. By advancing this vaccine candidate swiftly, Moderna and CEPI seek to strengthen global readiness and potentially curb further spread of this deadly virus.
