Moderna and CEPI expand partnership with $50M to advance mRNA vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, addressing a critical Ebola preparedness gap.
Written By: Kalyani Boharapi,
M. Pharm (Reg. Affairs)
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Moderna has expanded its strategic partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to accelerate development of an investigational messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine targeting Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV). Under the agreement, CEPI will provide up to $50 million to support preclinical studies, Phase 1 clinical testing, and parallel manufacturing activities.
The funding allows vaccine doses to be produced while early safety and immunogenicity data are being generated, potentially shortening the timeline for advancement into Phase 2/3 studies if initial results support further development.
Addressing a Critical Vaccine Gap
Bundibugyo ebolavirus is one of several Ebola virus species capable of causing severe hemorrhagic disease with high mortality. Although vaccines are available against Zaire ebolavirus, including Merck’s Ervebo and Johnson & Johnson’s Zabdeno/Mvabea regimen, no approved vaccine specifically targets BDBV.
Moderna is applying its mRNA platform, which demonstrated rapid development and large-scale deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, to advance vaccines against filoviruses such as Ebola and Marburg viruses. The company has continued to expand its infectious disease portfolio using the same technology.
Development and Manufacturing Strategy
The program combines clinical development with manufacturing readiness to accelerate response capabilities during public health emergencies. By initiating production alongside Phase 1 testing, Moderna and CEPI aim to reduce delays between early clinical success and late-stage development.
The Phase 1 study will evaluate safety, tolerability, and vaccine-induced immune responses. Details regarding enrollment and study timelines have not yet been disclosed.
Broader CEPI Portfolio
The investment is part of CEPI’s broader strategy to advance multiple BDBV vaccine candidates. The organization has also supported programs led by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, as well as IAVI, reflecting a diversified approach to strengthening preparedness against future Ebola outbreaks.
Bundibugyo Outbreak
The current Bundibugyo outbreak has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by Africa CDC. More than 900 suspected cases and over 220 suspected deaths have been reported, making it the third-largest filovirus outbreak recorded.
Advancing Toward Clinical Development
Moderna Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Bancel highlighted the company’s commitment to applying its mRNA platform against emerging infectious disease threats and advancing vaccine candidates for pathogens that currently lack approved preventive options.
CEPI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Hatchett emphasized the urgent need for a licensed BDBV vaccine as health authorities work to contain ongoing outbreaks and strengthen future preparedness.
If Phase 1 data support further development, the program could advance rapidly into larger efficacy studies with manufacturing capacity already in place. If successful, it could become the first vaccine specifically developed against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, addressing a longstanding unmet need in global Ebola preparedness.
Reference
CEPI fast-tracks three Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidates
About the Writer
Kalyani Boharapi (LinkedIn) is a pharmacy professional and healthcare writer currently pursuing an M.Pharm in Regulatory Affairs at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Pharmacy, with interests in pharmaceutical regulations, drug development, and healthcare innovation. She has academic exposure to dossier preparation, scientific writing, and regulatory documentation. Kalyani has also completed certification courses in Generative AI, AI in Pharma, and Bioinformatics, and actively participates in pharmaceutical conferences to stay updated with emerging trends and advancements in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.