The United States has supplied doses of an experimental Ebola treatment to support clinical trials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as health authorities work to contain a growing outbreak of the deadly virus.
According to US health officials, the antibody-based treatment developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical will be used in ongoing clinical studies and for compassionate treatment of eligible patients in affected areas. The move represents a significant expansion of access to the drug, which had previously been available mainly within the United States.
Officials from the US Department of Health and Human Services said the initiative aims to generate scientific data that could support future regulatory approval of the therapy. The number of doses provided has not been disclosed.
The latest effort comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo faces a serious Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Health authorities have reported more than 1,000 infections and over 250 deaths, raising concerns about the potential for further spread.
The World Health Organization has warned that the outbreak could become one of the most severe in recent years if response measures are not strengthened. Because there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain, researchers are relying on experimental therapies under controlled clinical trial conditions.
Among the treatments being tested is MBP134, an antibody therapy that will be evaluated both on its own and in combination with the antiviral drug Remdesivir. Additional studies are expected to assess other antiviral candidates, including obeldesivir, as a preventive measure against infection.
Researchers are also advancing vaccine development efforts. Early-stage trials involving candidates from the University of Oxford and Moderna could begin in the coming months.
Health experts caution that conducting research in conflict-affected regions of eastern Congo remains challenging due to insecurity, limited healthcare infrastructure, and community mistrust. Despite these obstacles, officials stress that clinical trials are essential for developing safe and effective Ebola treatments and improving preparedness for future outbreaks.