Oxford scientists race to develop Ebola vaccine for rare outbreak

22nd May 2026

Summary:
Scientists at the University of Oxford are rapidly developing a vaccine targeting the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with hopes it could be ready for clinical trials within two to three months. The outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to hundreds of suspected cases and a rising death toll, prompting the World Health Organization to classify the risk as very high locally. Using the same adaptable technology developed during the Covid pandemic, researchers are working urgently despite no guarantee the vaccine will be effective. If successful, doses could be manufactured quickly, with plans already in place for large-scale production. The vaccine would likely be used in targeted “ring vaccination” strategies to contain the outbreak rather than mass immunisation.

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy82gkr7xzlo

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