Moderna and CEPI Partner on mRNA Ebola Vaccine Amid Congo Outbreak

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is committing up to $50 million to support Moderna's development of an mRNA-based Ebola vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine currently exists. This funding comes as a deadly Ebola outbreak spreads through the Democratic Republic of Congo. Moderna's candidate, mRNA-1345, uses the same mRNA platform technology as its COVID-19 vaccine. The partnership aims to accelerate clinical trials and potential emergency use authorization. CEPI's investment underscores the urgency of addressing the Bundibugyo strain, which has a higher fatality rate than the more common Zaire strain. The outbreak, declared in August 2024, has already caused dozens of confirmed cases and deaths in Congo's Equateur Province. Moderna will leverage its established mRNA manufacturing capabilities to produce the vaccine candidate. The collaboration highlights the growing role of mRNA technology in pandemic preparedness beyond COVID-19.