Trial enrolls over 250 participants in Congo Ebola drug study
A study of Gilead's antiviral obeldesivir has enrolled over 250 participants in eastern Congo, aiming to prevent infection amid the worst Ebola outbreak recorded there.
By Felo News Desk · Published
More than 250 participants have been enrolled in a trial of Gilead's experimental antiviral pill obeldesivir in the Ituri province of eastern Congo, according to the Associated Press and the Independent.
What happened
The trial, which began in July, is being conducted at a health centre in Ituri, the epicentre of the current outbreak. It includes health workers and relatives of patients who have been exposed to the virus.
What the reports add
Both outlets note that the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists, and that at least 8,300 confirmed cases and 4,000 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in mid‑May. The trial is testing Gilead’s experimental antiviral pill, called obeldesivir, as post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a daily oral dose given soon after suspected contact to prevent disease development.
- The Independent reports that the study is coordinated by ALIMA, a medical nonprofit, and aims to recruit nearly 1,000 adults and children over the age of 12 who have been in contact with a confirmed case within the last five days but are asymptomatic.
- Half of the participants will receive a placebo, and they are monitored in person every day for 21 days, with a final phone call after 42 days, according to Dr. Godefroid Basara, who is working on the trial.
- ALIMA research coordinator Dr. Guilavogui Jean Paul Yassa explained that the pill “differs from a vaccine, which may take days or weeks to provide protection. It is also different from curative treatment because it is intended for people who are not yet showing symptoms.”
- Investigating physician Dr. Jacques Zawadi said most participants are happy to take part in the study.
What was said
“This disease is killing. It’s better to take precautions,” said a participant who lost a family member to Ebola.
A woman identified only as “EBO‑PEP” told the Associated Press she enrolled in August after her husband tested positive and that none of her family members have developed symptoms.
Dr. Jacques Zawadi, an investigating physician with ALIMA, said most participants are happy to take part in the study.
How it came about
Earlier this year, the Democratic Republic of Congo reported a rapid spread of Ebola across seven provinces, prompting international health agencies to launch multiple studies aimed at protection and treatment. The current trial follows those efforts, seeking to evaluate whether a daily oral dose of obeldesivir can prevent infection in high‑risk individuals.
Key facts
- More than 250 participants have been enrolled in the trial. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The trial tests Gilead's experimental antiviral pill obeldesivir. (independent.co.uk)
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, with no approved vaccine. (independent.co.uk)
- At least 8,300 confirmed cases and 4,000 deaths have been recorded since mid‑May. (independent.co.uk)
- The trial began in July at a health centre in Ituri province. (independent.co.uk)
