WHO reports launch of Merck/NewLink VSV-EBOV vaccine trial in Guinea

The World Health Organization has reported the launch trials of the VSV-EBOV vaccine for Ebola in Guinea, licensed to Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) and NewLink Genetics (Nasdaq: NLNK) by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Based on promising data from initial trials, the WHO is to collaborate with the Health Ministry of Guinea, Médecins Sans Frontières, Epicentre and The Norwegian Institute of Public Health to launch a Phase III trial in Guinea tomorrow. Canadian governmental institutions are supporting the trial through the provision of critical training and support to the African research teams conducting the trial, in addition to scientific advice.

The vaccinations will be carried out in Basse Guinée, the region that currently has the highest number of cases in the country. The trial strategy adopted will be “ring vaccination,” based on the approach used to eradicate smallpox in the 1970s. This involves the identification of a newly diagnosed Ebola case and the tracing of all their contacts, who are vaccinated if they give their consent.