Two experimental Ebola vaccines seem to be safe after a phase II clinical trial undertaken in Liberia, according to a press release from the National Institutes of Health.
The Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccines in Liberia (PREVAIL) trial began in early February 2015 in Monrovia to test two vaccines: cAd3-EBOZ and VSV-ZEBOV. While the initial trial goal has been met, phase II trials are continuing at another Monrovia hospital to boost the number of participants from 600 to 1,500.
Dr. Anthony Fauci
While the study sponsor, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was initially planning to conduct the phase III trial portion in Liberia, the country has seen only one case of Ebola since mid-February. The NIAID has determined that phase III studies could be moved to other countries, and discussions are underway to explore that possibility.
“We must move forward to adapt and expand the study so that ultimately we can determine whether these experimental vaccines can protect against Ebola virus disease and therefore be used in future Ebola outbreaks,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the NIAID, said in the press release.
Read the full press release on the NIH website.