The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has allocated up to $16.5 million to Minapharm Group for a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which is responsible for the largest outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These funds will advance preclinical work and a phase 1 clinical trial in Africa, focusing on safety and immune response.
The vaccine was created by ProBioGen, a Minapharm subsidiary in Berlin, using its MVA-CR19 platform—a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) technology. This approach has been used before for a vaccine against the related Zaire ebolavirus and is engineered to stimulate both B-cell and T-cell responses. This effort represents the fifth Bundibugyo-specific vaccine candidate supported by CEPI, part of its broader initiative to address the current outbreak and future epidemics.
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CEPI’s executive director, Richard Hatchett, stated that the investment supports African-led development while establishing Minapharm’s platform as a foundation for locally produced filovirus vaccines. Production will begin under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards at ProBioGen’s German facility, with plans to later transition to Minapharm’s Cairo-based manufacturing site. The objective is to enable full local production, both drug substance and finished vaccine, reducing dependence on imported supplies during outbreaks.
