The Sabin Vaccine Institute swiftly delivered 700 doses of its Marburg vaccine to Rwanda on Oct. 5, 2024, in response to the alarming outbreak that has plagued the nation. This proactive measure aims to support frontline workers, especially healthcare professionals, who have borne the brunt of this deadly virus.
Action Amid Crisis
When Rwanda declared the Marburg outbreak on September 27, the Sabin Vaccine Institute wasted no time and sprang into action, collaborating with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre to initiate a Phase 2 rapid response open-label study. The initial shipment of vaccine doses initiates a critical trial that will see about 700 high-risk adults, primarily healthcare providers, receiving doses at clinical trial sites across Rwanda.
Promising Developments
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the absence of licensed vaccines or treatments for Marburg, with a staggering mortality rate of up to 88%. Sabin’s innovative single-dose vaccine, utilizing the cAd3 platform, has shown strong potential. Phase 1 trials and nonclinical studies have yielded positive safety results and robust immune responses, providing optimism in the battle against this deadly disease.
Critical Partnerships
The success of this rapid response would not have been possible without crucial collaborations. Italy-based ReiThera, Sabin’s manufacturing partner, played a pivotal role in producing and delivering the vaccine doses to Rwanda. Such partnerships, driven by a shared commitment to global health, highlight the transformative power of collaborative efforts in combating infectious diseases.
Looking Ahead
As Marburg virus outbreaks become more frequent in Africa, Sabin’s Phase 2 clinical trials continue to monitor participants in Uganda and Kenya, with plans for further trials in the United States. The data from these trials, expected next year, will provide invaluable insights into the vaccine’s efficacy and safety profile, potentially paving the way for broader implementation.
A Unified Effort
The Sabin Vaccine Institute’s swift response to the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda exemplifies the power of collective action in the face of a health crisis. The unwavering dedication of individuals and organizations involved underscores the shared commitment to curbing the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding global health.