Singapore-based Hilleman Laboratories has announced collaberative efforts to develop a thermostable second-generation Zaire ebolavirus vaccine candidate building on MSD’s approved Zaire ebolavirus vaccine, ERVEBO.

The collaboration will research and develop a production process to increase manufacturing capacity and a stable formulation that could be stored at between 2 and 8°C.

Storing, transporting, and distributing the vaccines without the need for advanced cooling systems may broaden access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the burden of ebola virus disease (EVD) is greatest. The collaboration also aims to develop a multi-dose presentation to help facilitate community vaccination programmes.  

Ebola virus disease is a rare and deadly disease that is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has a death rate that ranges from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks. The ERVEBO vaccine has been used in ebola outbreak preparedness and response efforts against the Zaire ebolavirus. Vaccines for Sudan ebolavirus, which is responsible for the current outbreak in Uganda, are still in clinical trials.