Health Canada authorizes Phase I clinical trial
Health Canada has authorized Moderna to begin a clinical trial for an mRNA vaccine targeting the Ebola virus strain responsible for a rapidly expanding outbreak overseas.
Canada becomes the second country to approve a Phase I clinical trial for a Bundibugyo virus vaccine candidate, following authorization in the United Kingdom, according to federal officials.
There is currently no licensed vaccine or approved treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, the Ebola strain linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. No cases of Ebola disease have been reported in Canada.
Trial will evaluate immune response
Participants in the Phase I clinical trial will receive a dose of Moderna’s vaccine candidate, and researchers will evaluate whether their immune systems begin producing antibodies against the Bundibugyo virus.
Health Canada emphasized that participants will not be injected with the virus itself.
Following the completion of the initial trial, Moderna will need to conduct additional clinical trial phases before applying for regulatory approval from Health Canada.
Ebola outbreak continues expanding in eastern Congo
The remote Ituri province in eastern Congo has experienced the fastest-growing spread of the disease. According to the latest government update, the outbreak has resulted in 3,802 cases and 1,707 deaths as of Tuesday.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.
On May 28, the Canadian federal government announced $8 million in international assistance funding to support response efforts related to the outbreak.
Canada introduces travel measures
Canada has implemented additional measures for travellers arriving from regions affected by Ebola. Since May 27, travellers from affected areas have been required to self-isolate for 21 days.
Immigration authorities have also temporarily suspended applications from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Uganda until August 29.
All travellers arriving from these regions must be assessed by border officials. Individuals showing symptoms will be transferred to a hospital for further medical evaluation.
Canadian airports monitor incoming travellers
Government officials reported that approximately 350 people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan arrive in Canada each week.
Most travellers enter through Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver airports. Around 60% of passengers are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, while 40% are foreign nationals.
