National Institute and Ridgeback Team Up to Combat Latest Ebola Outbreak in DRC
In a significant public health development, the Minister of Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Kasai Province following confirmed cases of Orthoebolavirus zairense (EBOV). This outbreak is described as severe, with potential fatality rates ranging from 25% to 90%, mostly transmitted through bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
As of now, 25 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported, leading to 14 deaths. The affected individuals hail from the Bulape and Mweka health zones and exhibit symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and bleeding.
To address this urgent health crisis, the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), in conjunction with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, has mobilized an emergency response team to the outbreak’s epicenter. The team is equipped to provide treatment for individuals infected with EBOV and those at high-risk profiles via post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The treatment protocol includes the administration of Ebanga™ (ansuvimab-zykl), a treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but not yet registered for use in the DRC under an Expanded Access Protocol (EAP).
The INRB and Ridgeback, leveraging the experiences gained from the last three EVD outbreaks in the DRC between June 2020 and December 2021, are implementing a well-coordinated strategy to mitigate the effects of this current outbreak. Prompt action was evident as medical teams were deployed within four days of the outbreak declaration to administer Ebanga™ to infected individuals isolated at Bulape General Hospital. To date, eight patients have received this crucial treatment, demonstrating the rapid response capabilities of the healthcare teams involved, all without monetary compensation for Ridgeback's support.
According to Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, the Director General of INRB, this partnership has been critical in ensuring immediate treatment for newly diagnosed EBOV patients. With the ongoing transmission, the rate of new cases is anticipated to rise, necessitating swift action from the DRC's Ministry of Health and its partners to deploy all necessary outbreak response measures. The focus remains on expediting treatment for EVD cases while managing the drug supply already held in stock within the country.
Wendy Holman, CEO and co-founder of Ridgeback, affirms the commitment to collaborate with INRB in supporting specialized teams of clinicians and pharmacists dedicated to the rapid treatment of EVD patients.
About Ebanga™:
Ebanga™ is a human monoclonal antibody designed specifically for treating infections caused by Orthoebolavirus zairense, applicable to both adult and pediatric patients, including neonates born to infected mothers.
Limitations of Use: It is important to note that Ebanga™ has not been proven effective for other species of orthoebolavirus. Changes in the virus or potential resistance could impact the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. Healthcare professionals are advised to assess the clinical viability based on the current patterns of drug susceptibility among circulating Zaire ebolavirus strains. Notable side effects encountered with Ebanga™ include infusion-related reactions, which may be life-threatening. It is crucial to monitor patients closely and provide appropriate care if severe reactions occur.
INRB's Role:
Founded in 1984, the National Institute of Biomedical Research is a key facility in the DRC for conducting medical research and public health initiatives. As a World Health Organization collaborating center since 2018, the INRB has extensive experience in managing infectious diseases and has played a pivotal role in research and intervention strategies for Ebola outbreaks.
About Ridgeback Biotherapeutics:
Based in Miami, Florida, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics is dedicated to combating emerging infectious diseases. Ridgeback not only developed Ebanga™ but ensures that its treatments for Ebola patients in Africa are offered free of charge, supporting their mission of equitable global access to healthcare solutions.
In summary, through the proactive efforts of the National Institute of Biomedical Research and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, there is a concerted effort underway to contain the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC while providing critical care to those affected. The ongoing collaboration serves as a testament to the commitment of both organizations in addressing public health emergencies.
As of now, 25 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported, leading to 14 deaths. The affected individuals hail from the Bulape and Mweka health zones and exhibit symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and bleeding.
To address this urgent health crisis, the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), in conjunction with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, has mobilized an emergency response team to the outbreak’s epicenter. The team is equipped to provide treatment for individuals infected with EBOV and those at high-risk profiles via post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The treatment protocol includes the administration of Ebanga™ (ansuvimab-zykl), a treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but not yet registered for use in the DRC under an Expanded Access Protocol (EAP).
The INRB and Ridgeback, leveraging the experiences gained from the last three EVD outbreaks in the DRC between June 2020 and December 2021, are implementing a well-coordinated strategy to mitigate the effects of this current outbreak. Prompt action was evident as medical teams were deployed within four days of the outbreak declaration to administer Ebanga™ to infected individuals isolated at Bulape General Hospital. To date, eight patients have received this crucial treatment, demonstrating the rapid response capabilities of the healthcare teams involved, all without monetary compensation for Ridgeback's support.
According to Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, the Director General of INRB, this partnership has been critical in ensuring immediate treatment for newly diagnosed EBOV patients. With the ongoing transmission, the rate of new cases is anticipated to rise, necessitating swift action from the DRC's Ministry of Health and its partners to deploy all necessary outbreak response measures. The focus remains on expediting treatment for EVD cases while managing the drug supply already held in stock within the country.
Wendy Holman, CEO and co-founder of Ridgeback, affirms the commitment to collaborate with INRB in supporting specialized teams of clinicians and pharmacists dedicated to the rapid treatment of EVD patients.
About Ebanga™:
Ebanga™ is a human monoclonal antibody designed specifically for treating infections caused by Orthoebolavirus zairense, applicable to both adult and pediatric patients, including neonates born to infected mothers.
Limitations of Use: It is important to note that Ebanga™ has not been proven effective for other species of orthoebolavirus. Changes in the virus or potential resistance could impact the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. Healthcare professionals are advised to assess the clinical viability based on the current patterns of drug susceptibility among circulating Zaire ebolavirus strains. Notable side effects encountered with Ebanga™ include infusion-related reactions, which may be life-threatening. It is crucial to monitor patients closely and provide appropriate care if severe reactions occur.
INRB's Role:
Founded in 1984, the National Institute of Biomedical Research is a key facility in the DRC for conducting medical research and public health initiatives. As a World Health Organization collaborating center since 2018, the INRB has extensive experience in managing infectious diseases and has played a pivotal role in research and intervention strategies for Ebola outbreaks.
About Ridgeback Biotherapeutics:
Based in Miami, Florida, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics is dedicated to combating emerging infectious diseases. Ridgeback not only developed Ebanga™ but ensures that its treatments for Ebola patients in Africa are offered free of charge, supporting their mission of equitable global access to healthcare solutions.
In summary, through the proactive efforts of the National Institute of Biomedical Research and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, there is a concerted effort underway to contain the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC while providing critical care to those affected. The ongoing collaboration serves as a testament to the commitment of both organizations in addressing public health emergencies.
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