The Serum Institute of India (SII) and the University of Oxford have announced a partnership to advance clinical trials for a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, amid renewed outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The collaboration is being supported by funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which is backing accelerated vaccine development efforts.

The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease is considered less common than the Zaire strain but has raised significant global concern due to the absence of any approved vaccine or specific treatment. Health authorities have identified the current outbreak in Central and East Africa as a serious public health challenge, prompting urgent international coordination to contain its spread and develop preventive solutions.

Under the new collaboration, the Serum Institute of India is expected to play a key role in the rapid manufacturing of vaccine doses, while researchers at the University of Oxford will contribute to clinical development and trial design. The initiative aims to fast-track the transition from research to human trials, strengthening global preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.

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CEPI’s involvement in the project is aimed at ensuring timely funding and logistical support for vaccine production and trial implementation. The organisation has been actively involved in supporting vaccine platforms for epidemic-prone diseases, particularly those with limited or no existing therapeutic options.

Health experts have noted that the Bundibugyo strain presents unique scientific challenges, as it differs from the more widely studied Ebola variants. The absence of an approved vaccine has intensified the urgency of ongoing research, with global agencies emphasising the importance of early-stage clinical evaluation and scalable manufacturing capacity.

The partnership underscores growing international collaboration in pandemic preparedness, with stakeholders focusing on strengthening rapid response mechanisms for future outbreaks. Officials involved in the project have stated that coordinated efforts between manufacturers, academic institutions, and global health bodies will be critical in addressing high-risk viral diseases.

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