Trial Launches to Find First Effective Treatments for Bundibugyo Virus
8 reported
The PARTNERS clinical trial has begun enrolling patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Sponsored by the World Health Organization, the trial will test two antiviral therapies: a monoclonal antibody called MBP134 and remdesivir, both individually and in combination. Since the outbreak began, over 1,400 people have been diagnosed with Bundibugyo virus disease, with nearly 210 recoveries and nearly 440 deaths. No treatments are currently approved for this virus type, though effective therapies exist for other Ebola virus diseases. The trial is coordinated by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in the DRC, the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Belgium, and the University of Oxford, with support from Africa CDC. Patients enrolled will receive close support and follow-up for at least 28 days. The platform trial design allows additional treatments to be added as they become available.
What’s reported
The PARTNERS trial opened enrolment on July 2, 2026, for patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trial will assess two antivirals: a monoclonal antibody (MBP134) and remdesivir, and their combination.
Over 1,400 people have been diagnosed with Bundibugyo virus disease in the DRC; nearly 210 have recovered and nearly 440 have died.
No treatments are currently approved for Bundibugyo virus disease.
The trial is sponsored by WHO and coordinated by INRB (DRC), Institute of Tropical Medicine (Belgium), and University of Oxford (UK).
Patients will receive supportive care including fluids, electrolyte replacement, oxygen, blood pressure management, and pain control.
The trial is randomized and controlled, enrolling patients of any age with confirmed BVD.
An independent data and safety monitoring board will regularly review study data.
Key figures
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
Professor Amanda Rojek, PARTNERS Trial Operations Lead and Associate Professor of Health Emergencies, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford
Prof Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Director-General of the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB)
Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Health of the DRC
Sources: World Health Organization
