World Health Organization announces trial of two potential Ebola treatments

As Ebola cases breach 1,000, the World Health Organization has announced trials of two separate potential treatments to fight the deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tests will begin next week to see whether two antivirals can help reduce mortality in patients with the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, alone or in combination.

“WHO and our partners are working closely with the communities to inform and involve them in the trial. We're also working to ensure the communities have access to the therapeutics should they prove safe and efficacious,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus**.**

“The trial will be conducted by a consortium of partners, including DRC's National Institute for Biomedical Research, ALIMA, Oxford University, and WHO."

Tedros thanked the United States and Gilead Sciences for donating the doses needed for the trial.

A total of 1,048 Ebola cases, including 277 deaths, have been confirmed in DR Congo since the outbreak was declared on 15 May.

There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus and between 500 and a 1,000 people are expected to take part in the trials.

They will start at a hospital in DRC's north-eastern Ituri province where the vast majority of cases have been detected.

Related articles

DRC opposition leader Sesanga banned from leaving the country

Hundreds of missing Ebola patients raising concern about uncontrolled spread of virus

From the same country

New Tumaini Ebola vaccine trial launches in Bunia as DRC struggles

'Deplorable': Belgium condemns ex-DRC leader Kabila's launch of political-military group

DR Congo: $700m in Ebola aid unaccounted for as outbreak spreads

00:59

DRC opposition leader Sesanga banned from leaving the country

01:13 Hundreds of missing Ebola patients raising concern about uncontrolled spread of virus

01:08

New Tumaini Ebola vaccine trial launches in Bunia as DRC struggles

01:07 'Deplorable': Belgium condemns ex-DRC leader Kabila's launch of political-military group

DR Congo: $700m in Ebola aid unaccounted for as outbreak spreads

00:59

DRC opposition leader Sesanga banned from leaving the country

01:13 Hundreds of missing Ebola patients raising concern about uncontrolled spread of virus

01:08

New Tumaini Ebola vaccine trial launches in Bunia as DRC struggles

01:07 'Deplorable': Belgium condemns ex-DRC leader Kabila's launch of political-military group

DR Congo: $700m in Ebola aid unaccounted for as outbreak spreads

NEWS

02:00

Red Cross trains staff as Kenya records its second death from Ebola

NEWS

01:55

Nigeria steps up airport health screenings over Ebola fears

NEWS

01:19

Nigeria's health minister says first Ebola case remains isolated

NEWS 01:18 WHO: Africa facing 'complex' Ebola outbreak after Nigeria reports first case

NEWS

00:55

Chad: Former PM Succès Masra leaves country for medical treatment

NEWS

01:49

Nigeria can stop Ebola spread, former disease control chief says

01:30

Nigeria

Nigeria's Tinubu defends policies as he launches re-election bid

01:13

Gabon

Gabon restores social media access after an eight-month ban

01:01 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport partially resumes flights after Houthi attacks