The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced in early June that it would accelerate development of vaccines against the Ebola Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), pledging roughly $60 million to support multiple developers worldwide [1, 2]. Moderna was allocated up to $50 million from this funding to advance preclinical studies and Phase 1 clinical trials of its mRNA-based BDBV vaccine candidate [1]. The company will also use the funds to prepare manufacturing capabilities and explore large-scale Phase 2 and 3 trials if initial results prove promising [1].
Moderna’s vaccine builds on the mRNA technology platform the company deployed to rapidly produce COVID-19 vaccines. CEO Stéphane Bancel said, "We believe our mRNA platform can play an important role in responding rapidly to emerging infectious disease threats. We will move with urgency and scientific rigor to support the response and help bring a potential vaccine closer to the communities that need it most." [1]
CEPI’s head Richard Hatchett highlighted the tight timeline for vaccine preparation, saying it was possible to have Ebola Bundibugyo vaccines ready for trials within a couple of months after the funding announcement [2]. The $60 million total is shared among Moderna and two other groups, although some sources specify Moderna’s commitment at up to $50 million while others provide only the total for all developers [1, 2]. The funding aims to spur rapid progress due to the risk of BDBV outbreaks and the need for effective vaccines.
The accelerated timeline involves completing necessary preclinical testing and evaluating safety and immune response in early human trials. Moderna’s preparation for potential larger Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies will allow rapid scale-up if initial results are successful. CEPI’s funding commitment to Moderna and other vaccine developers reflects ongoing global efforts to enhance epidemic preparedness and response across multiple viral threats.
The next key milestone will be the initiation of Phase 1 trials under Moderna’s development plan, expected to begin within months of the funding announcement [1].
