UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeks
UK began trials of an Ebola vaccine after the UK regulator gave permission for trials to take place. Scientists at the University of Oxford started developing the vaccine eight weeks ago when a public health emergency was declared on 17 May. This is the first of four vaccines under development to enter clinical trials. Volunteers are being recruited, with the first doses expected to be given to healthy adults in the UK "within weeks."
The Ebola epidemic, centered on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has killed 625 people with 1,792 laboratory confirmed cases. It is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which has started two outbreaks before. Dr. Katrina Pollock, the chief investigator of the trial based at the University of Oxford, stated: "We're doing phase one (early stage) trials of new vaccines all of the time, precisely to be ready for exactly this kind of outbreak." The trial will be on 50 healthy adults aged 18-55. Researchers are also working with partners in Uganda to prepare for trials in Africa. Volunteers will be monitored for a year.
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The UK has approved human trials for a new Ebola vaccine developed by University of Oxford scientists in just eight weeks. This rapid development
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