Inside the study for a remedy to fight Congo's deadliest Ebola outbreak

In the eastern province of Ituri, Congo, where the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country's history is unfolding, a clinical trial is underway to test an experimental antiviral pill. Over 250 participants have enrolled in the study, which aims to determine if the drug can prevent the disease from developing after suspected contact with the Bundibugyo virus.

This virus has been responsible for the fast-moving outbreak, with no approved vaccine or treatment available. More than 8,300 confirmed cases and 4,000 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in May. The trial, coordinated by ALIMA, is testing Gilead's experimental pill, called obeldesivir, which is given immediately after suspected exposure to the virus in an effort to stop the disease before it spreads.

Participants include health workers and family members of those infected, who have enrolled in the hope of protecting themselves and their loved ones from the deadly disease. The trial is challenging due to the difficulty in identifying and recruiting those at high risk of incubating the virus, as well as the emotional toll on participants when family members die from the disease.