*BD-Ebov-01:Developing a vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A phase 1a, randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled study of a Bundibugyo virus disease vaccine, ChAdOx1 Ebola BDBV Vaccine (Recombinant), in healthy volunteers aged 18 – 55 years in the UK
IRAS ID
1014429
Contact name
James Gilchrist
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford, Research Governance, Ethics & Assurance (RGEA) Team
Research summary
On 17th May 2026 the World Health Organisation declared a public health emergency of international concern after cases of severe fever and death were detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The emergency is being caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), which is a species of Ebola virus. Like all species of Ebola, BDBV causes a severe and often fatal infection in humans. Normally carried by fruit bats, it can cross over into humans through contact with these or other infected animals. Once this occurs, it can then spread from person to person through direct contact with infected body fluids such as blood, saliva or faeces.
Symptoms of Bundibugyo virus disease or BVD are similar to those of other Ebola species. Early symptoms including fever, muscle pain and headache can be similar to other common diseases, such as malaria and bacterial infections, making it hard to diagnose. Later symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, rash and abdominal pain, and in severe cases extensive bleeding and multiple organ failure. It is estimated that BVD is fatal in up to 50% of cases. Those caring for infected people, including healthcare workers, are particularly at risk of catching the infection themselves. When BDBV starts spreading between people, outbreaks can grow rapidly and cause huge disruption to local communities and healthcare systems.
BDBV outbreaks have previously occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The regions in the DRC where the outbreak is happening are affected by insecurity, poor healthcare availability and highly mobile populations, making the epidemic difficult to control and with a strong potential to spread to further regions and countries. Unlike another species of Ebola (like Zaire ebolavirus), there are currently no available vaccines or medications to protect against BDBV infection. It is therefore vital that we develop a safe and effective vaccine against BVD as soon as possible.REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0481
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion