PATIENT enrolment has begun in a clinical trial investigating potential treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a form of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus that can lead to severe illness and death.
The PARTNERS trial is recruiting patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to assess whether two antiviral treatments – the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and remdesivir – can improve survival in people with confirmed BVD. Researchers will also investigate whether combining the two therapies provides additional benefit.
The trial has been established through an international collaboration sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), and coordinated by research partners in the DRC, Belgium and the UK, with support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Since the current outbreak began, more than 1,400 people have been diagnosed with BVD in the DRC. Although 210 people have recovered, an estimated 440 have died of the disease. Although treatments are available for some forms of Ebola virus disease, there are currently no approved therapies for BVD.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland, said: “Even without approved therapeutics, people are recovering from this disease, but safe and effective treatments could save many more lives.
PLATFORM Trial Aims to Strengthen Outbreak Response
Ghebreyesus added that “The PARTNERS trial, established with national authorities and scientific partners in record time, offers real hope that we can deliver concrete results for – and with – the communities at the heart of the outbreak.”
Designed as a platform trial, PARTNERS can evaluate additional treatments as new candidates become available.
“We urgently need treatments that can help people affected by Bundibugyo virus disease. One of the key lessons from recent outbreaks is that research needs to happen alongside the response, not after it,” said Professor Amanda Rojek, PARTNERS Trial Operations Lead and Associate Professor of Health Emergencies, at the Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford.
The randomised, controlled trial is open to patients of any age with confirmed BVD. Participants will receive supportive care in line with WHO guidance, including fluids, electrolyte replacement, oxygen therapy, blood pressure management and pain relief, alongside any investigational treatment. Researchers will monitor participants for at least 28 days after enrolment, while an independent data and safety monitoring board will regularly review study data.
Featured image: Sharafmaksumov on Adobe Stock
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