Overview
- CEPI finalized an agreement to provide up to $30 million to MSD, which will distribute funding to SK bioscience and Hilleman Laboratories.
- Hilleman Laboratories will lead clinical development of an updated vaccine based on MSD’s WHO-prequalified Zaire ebolavirus shot.
- SK bioscience and Germany-based IDT Biologika will develop the drug substance and drug product manufacturing processes, including work at SK’s Andong plant.
- The program centers on manufacturing process improvements and scale-up to boost yield and enhance thermostability for use in low-resource settings.
- CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett said the support aims to ensure a sustainable, more affordable supply as Zaire Ebola continues to resurge in parts of Africa such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.