Ebola: Why is there still no vaccine?

The Ebola virus has been known for decades, yet there remains no licensed vaccine or official treatment to combat it. This discrepancy has puzzled experts, who see this as a missed opportunity. In previous outbreaks in Uganda (2007) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2012), researchers had the chance to develop vaccines and therapeutic options, but these were not pursued.

Leonie Mayer, from the German Center for Infection Research, argues that the virus, although known, is far more predictable than other pathogens like influenza or HIV, making it a relatively straightforward target for vaccine development. However, the problem lies not in the scientific merit of the virus, but in the lack of funding and prioritization of other pathogens.

Many Ebola strains exist, such as the Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo variants, each requiring a specific vaccine. The current Ervebo vaccine was developed for the Zaire variant, leaving other types without approved protection.

Despite the existence of a licensed Ebola vaccine, its deployment remains a challenge. Ethical concerns arise from deploying an unproven vaccine, and conducting large-scale trials could compromise the ability to accurately assess its effectiveness. Moreover, the Bundibugyo virus appears less aggressive than the Zaire variant, potentially allowing infected individuals to remain mobile and spread the virus for longer periods without realizing it.

The recent outbreak highlights the need for practical solutions, such as developing effective diagnostic tools in remote or conflict-affected regions. While medical innovation is crucial, it is not enough in isolation. Addressing the broader challenges, including conflicts, transport routes, and gaps in contact tracing, is essential for containing the virus and ensuring the success of any vaccine distribution efforts.