Egypt prepares to launch clinical trials for Ebola vaccine

Scientists in Egypt are working to strengthen protection against Ebola, with clinical trials for a new vaccine expected to begin in the coming weeks.

The development follows a decision by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to support Egypt's Minapharm in advancing the vaccine.

Minapharm operates what it describes as the largest biologics manufacturing facility in the Middle East and Africa.

The company is developing the vaccine with its Germany-based subsidiary, ProBioGen.

Dr.

Ashraf Omar, Professor of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, says the project demonstrates Egypt's growing capacity in vaccine development and clinical research.

"It has a very significant impact, because it's a positive vote, that Egypt is capable of having the biotechnology of producing vaccines," Omar said.

He added that Africa accounts for less than 2% of clinical trials globally, making the project an opportunity to position Egypt as a hub for clinical research.

Minapharm and ProBioGen launched the vaccine development program following the outbreak of the latest deadly Ebola strain, for which there is currently no known vaccine or treatment.

CEPI is providing about $16.5 million to help advance the vaccine from pre-clinical development to Phase One clinical trials.

The funding covers manufacturing in Cairo and Berlin, as well as pre-clinical and regulatory work, the Phase One trial and technology transfer between the two facilities, according to Minapharm's Head of Biologics Pipeline, Mohamed Youssef.

"We are moving extremely fast on this.

We are planning for manufacturing of the first batch in just a few weeks, then we proceed with the first human clinical trials in Rwanda," Youssef said.

Minapharm says the first human trials involving volunteers in Rwanda are planned for December.