Development of a multivalent vaccine against multiple deadly viruses of the Filoviridae family.

Currently approved Ebola vaccines (such as rVSV-ZEBOV) are only effective against the Zaire strain, and there is an urgent global need to create next-generation vaccines that offer broader protection against other Class I infectious disease viruses.

A path to achieving these ambitious development objectives.

１．A series of platforms for　incorporating multiple viral antigens into a single formulation.

mRNA platform: Offers superior speed and flexibility in the production of multivalent vaccines due to its ability to easily encapsulate the gene sequences of multiple glycoproteins (GPs) into a single lipid nanoparticle (LNP).

Viral vectors (ChAd3/MVA/rVSV): This method uses chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAd3) or modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) as carriers (vectors) to incorporate the GP genes of Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, and Marburg.

Recombinant protein (nanoparticle) vaccines: This method involves purifying the glycoprotein (GP) of each virus as a trimer and administering it in combination with a potent immune enhancer (adjuvant). It is relatively stable and may reduce the burden on the cold chain (low-temperature logistics).

２．Issues to be resolved

Immune interference (antigen interference): When multiple antigens are administered simultaneously, it is necessary to control the phenomenon in which the immune response to a specific strain becomes stronger, while the immune response to other strains (e.g., Bundibugyo strain or Marburg) becomes weaker.

Appropriate clinical trial design (application of the Animal Rule) is required.　Examples: The U.S. FDA's "Animal Rules," etc.

３．Who will support the research and development?

Funding from CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)
CEPI has launched an urgent call for proposals to accelerate the development of early-stage vaccine candidates against Bundibugyovirus (BDBV). The application deadline is June 8, 2026. It is recommended to apply through the CEPI portal.

WHO Target Product Profile (TPP): The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially presented a Target Product Profile for the development of multivalent vaccines that can address multiple filoviruses, with the aim of improving emergency stockpiling management and readiness, and is leading the global development of such vaccines.

＊The illustration was drawn by Nano Banana 2 of Gemini. Thanks !

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