Ebola vaccine shows promise in human trials

Ebola vaccine shows promise in human trials


“Ebola vaccine trial results promising, says manufacturer,” The Guardian reports. Initial results from a trial involving 20 healthy adults found that the vaccine seems to be safe.

The trial was what is known as a phase one trial, which is designed to test if a drug or intervention is safe, rather than whether it is effective against Ebola.

There were some minor side effects – such as mild pain, fever and generally feeling under the weather – but all symptoms resolved after a few days.

Although the purpose of the study was to assess safety, the researchers also measured the antibody levels that had been produced following the vaccine, which gives an indication that it might be effective in granting immunity against infection. NHS Choices

Links To The Headlines

Ebola vaccine trial results promising, says manufacturer. The Guardian, November 26 2014

'Positive signs' from Ebola vaccine trial. BBC News, November 26 2014

Ebola vaccine promising in first human trials. Mail Online, November 26 2014

Ebola Vaccine Trial Shows Signs Of Success. Sky News, November 27 2014


Links To Science

Ledgerwood JE, DeZure AD, Stanley DA, et al. Chimpanzee Adenovirus Vector Ebola Vaccine — Preliminary Report. The New England Journal of Medicine. Published online November 26 2014