Ebola Post-Exposure Drug Trial Underway in Eastern DR Congo

More than 250 people exposed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola are taking part in a post-exposure drug trial at a medical centre in eastern Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The EBO-PEP trial, which began in July, is examining an experimental antiviral pill given immediately after suspected contact with the virus. The drug is being tested as post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, for people who may have been exposed but have not developed symptoms.

Trial seeks nearly 1,000 participants

The study aims to recruit nearly 1,000 adults and children over the age of 12. To qualify, participants must have had contact with a confirmed Ebola case within the previous five days and must not have symptoms.

Those enrolled are monitored in person every day for 21 days. A final phone call or visit is scheduled after 42 days, according to the trial information.

Jacques Zawadi, an investigating physician with the EBO-PEP trial, said participants had generally expressed satisfaction with taking part in the study.

“To identify a medication, to treat a disease that does not have medication, this gives hope,” Zawadi said. “Most of the participants are happy to be with us and to be able to benefit from this treatment, although it is still a trial.”

Bundibugyo strain has no licensed vaccine

The Bundibugyo strain is rare and currently has no licensed vaccine. Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have begun vaccinating health workers with Ervebo, a vaccine that was effective during earlier outbreaks caused by a different and more common Ebola virus.

Authorities have said Ervebo could provide some protection against the Bundibugyo virus, but whether it can prevent illness caused by that strain is still being studied.

The experimental pill is therefore being tested among people recently exposed to confirmed cases. The available trial information does not establish that the treatment prevents Ebola infection.

Outbreak response

The outbreak was declared in mid-May and has recorded at least 8,300 confirmed cases, including 4,000 deaths, according to the information provided about the response. Experts have described the trial as an important step in efforts to address what has been identified as the country’s deadliest Ebola outbreak.

One unnamed participant said the death of an uncle from Ebola influenced the decision to join the study. The participant said that, after joining the trial, no one in the family had become sick with the disease, while also describing the treatment as a trial.

The EBO-PEP study is continuing as health workers and authorities respond to the outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.