A scientific trial is beginning to enroll patients to identify the first effective treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease

In a major international effort to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BVD), the PARTNERS clinical trial today opened enrollment for patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The PARTNERS (Platform Adaptive Randomized Trial for New and Repurposed Filovirus TreatmentS) trial will assess whether two antiviral therapies – a monoclonal antibody (MBP134) and remdesivir – can improve survival among people diagnosed with BVD. It will also evaluate whether the combination of two antiviral drugs provides additional benefits.

The trial, sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), was coordinated by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Belgium and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with international research, clinical and humanitarian partners, and supported by the Africa CDC.

Since the outbreak began, over 1,400 people have been diagnosed with BVD, nearly 210 people have recovered, and nearly 440 people have died from the disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although effective treatments for Ebola virus disease have been developed, none are currently approved for Bundibugyo virus disease, and no treatment has been shown to work against all types of viruses that cause Ebola disease.

These treatments were selected for trial by the WHO Technical Advisory Group after a thorough review of the scientific evidence, including preclinical studies and safety data and evidence from previous outbreak responses. Those enrolled in the clinical trial will be provided with close support and follow-up for at least 28 days after enrollment.

“Even without approved therapeutic drugs, people recover from this disease, but of course, we could save many more lives with safe and effective therapeutic drugs in our toolkit,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The PARTNERS trial, established with national authorities and scientific partners in record time, offers real hope that we can deliver concrete results for – and with – the communities at the heart of the outbreak.”

The trial was established as a platform trial, allowing additional treatments to be added as they become available following assessment by the WHO Technical Advisory Group.

“We urgently need treatments that can help people affected by Bundibugyo virus disease. One of the key lessons from recent outbreaks is that research needs to happen alongside the response, not after it,” said Professor Amanda Rojek, PARTNERS trial operations manager and Associate Professor of Health Emergencies at the University of Oxford’s Institute of Pandemic Sciences. “The PARTNERS trial gives us the opportunity to evaluate possible treatments during the outbreak itself, so the evidence gathered can help inform patient care when it’s most needed – in months, not years.”

Prof. Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Director General of the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), added: “By integrating this trial into clinical care, we are giving patients access to promising investigational treatments, while generating the evidence needed to improve care for current and future epidemics.”

The randomized, controlled trial enrolled patients of any age with confirmed BVD. Participating treatment units will provide patients with early supportive care, including oral or intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, oxygen support, blood pressure control and pain control according to WHO treatment guidelines.

“By responding to Bundibugyo virus disease, the Democratic Republic of Congo is demonstrating its strong commitment to science and research,” said Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, DR Congo’s Minister of Health. “The launch of the PARTNERS clinical trial represents a significant step forward, providing renewed hope for patients, their families and affected communities. Findings from this study could contribute to identifying more effective therapeutic options, helping to save lives during the current outbreak, while strengthening global preparedness for future Ebola outbreaks.”

The trial is being conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ALIMA (Alliance for International Medical Action) and the outbreak response teams of Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Study data will be regularly reviewed by an independent data and safety monitoring committee.

The PARTNERS trial is expected to evaluate whether monoclonal antibodies and antiviral therapies can improve outcomes for patients with BVD and reduce mortality in affected communities. It is designed to operate seamlessly across multiple outbreaks, providing a sustainable research platform to generate evidence for safe and effective treatments for Ebola and Marburg disease.

About the National Institute for Biomedical Research

The Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) is the national biomedical research institution of the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is an interdisciplinary institute with extensive experience in the identification, treatment and prevention of diseases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It coordinates applied and translational research and trains high-quality researchers. The INRB has played a key role in the development and evaluation of medical countermeasures for Ebola virus disease. https://inrb.net/

About the Institute of Pandemic Sciences, University of Oxford

The Pandemic Sciences Institute (PSI) is an interdisciplinary research institute at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, dedicated to meeting the challenges of epidemic and pandemic infectious disease. Our mission is to discover, create and enable practical and just solutions to the threats of infectious diseases around the world. We collaborate with academia, industry and public health organizations around the world to create scientific innovation, accelerate understanding and develop new diagnostics, treatments, vaccines and tools for disease control. PSI is part of the University of Oxford, one of the world’s leading research and education centers, which brings together expertise from different disciplines to solve global challenges. https://www.psi.ox.ac.uk/

ABOUT WHO

Committed to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and supports global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal opportunity to live a safe and healthy life. We are the United Nations health agency that connects nations, partners and people in more than 150 locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health problems and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to support all countries in promoting, providing and protecting health. “Together for health. Stand with science,” the theme of World Health Day 2026, marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as a foundation for protecting health and well-being around the world.