All news

Russian Ebola vaccine passes first stage of clinical tests, says authority

"It is now on approval at the Russian Ministry of Healthcare. We are waiting for a second phase," said the spokesman of Russia’s Vector research center of virology and biotechnology

NOVOSIBIRSK, June 9. /TASS/. A new vaccine to protect against Ebola virus disease developed by Russia’s Vector research center of virology and biotechnology has successfully undergone the first stage of clinical tests, the acting director general of the research center told reporters on the sidelines of the international forum for technological development on Thursday.

"The first phase of clinical tests has been completed. It is now on approval at the Russian Ministry of Healthcare. We are waiting for a second phase," Valery Mikheyev said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 11,300 people have died from Ebola in West Africa, primarily in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. More than 28,600 were infected. In January, Russia informed the WHO executive committee about its anti-Ebola vaccines.

The World Health Organization describes Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) as "a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%." Until now, there has been no known cure or vaccine for the disease. The only treatment offered is "supportive intensive care." During an outbreak, those at higher risk of infection are health workers, family members and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.