Moderna begins human testing of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine during the DR Congo outbreak. The trial will be conducted at three Canadian locations and aims to recruit approximately 80 healthy adults. Investigators will evaluate the vaccine’s safety profile, tolerability, and capacity to elicit an immune response. As a Phase 1 study, it will not determine the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing infection. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has pledged up to $50 million to support preclinical research, the trial itself, and the production of additional doses for research purposes. WHO reported 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 fatalities in DR Congo through July 30. By that date, at least 651 patients had recovered. Updated data from CEPI on August 4 indicated that infections exceeded 3,800 with more than 1,700 deaths. The outbreak has affected 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo provinces. Recent infections have been reported in 33 health zones, with Ituri accounting for 88% of confirmed cases. Vaccine Shortage Highlights Urgent Need The WHO officially declared this outbreak an international public health emergency on May 17. It marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in DR Congo since scientists first identified the virus in 1976. The current epidemic involves the Bundibugyo species, which previously caused outbreaks in Uganda and DR Congo. Currently, no approved vaccines