Following a major international effort, the PARTNERS trial, which aims to evaluate potential therapeutics for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BVD), has enrolled its first patient following its rapid implementation.
The timely deployment of the trial was made possible by the smooth coordination between 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 (including work from the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health's National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit), in collaboration with international research, clinical and humanitarian partners, and supported by Africa CDC. The trial is sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
What is bundibugyo virus?
Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is a form of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, one of the viruses in the Ebolavirus group. Ebola viruses are thought to circulate naturally in wildlife, particularly fruit bats, and can spread to humans before being transmitted between people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Bundibugyo virus disease has caused only a small number of outbreaks since it was first identified in Uganda in 2007.
However, since the current outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 1,400 people have been diagnosed with BVD and nearly 440 have died, highlighting the urgent need for safe and effective treatment options.
Figures correct as of 2 July 2026.
AIMS OF THE PARTNERS TRIAL
The PARTNERS (Platform Adaptive Randomised Trial for New and Repurposed Filovirus TreatmentS) trial aims to generate the evidence needed to identify effective treatments during the outbreak itself.
The study is evaluating two antiviral therapies: a monoclonal antibody (MBP134) and remdesivir, to determine whether either treatment, or a combination of the two, can improve survival in people with confirmed Bundibugyo virus.
Designed as a platform trial, PARTNERS can also assess additional potential treatments as they become available, helping to strengthen the evidence base for future Ebola and Marburg disease outbreaks.
CONTRIBUTIONS
The rapid implementation of the PARTNERS trial reflects the dedication and collaboration of teams working across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and internationally. We recognise and thank colleagues at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), ALIMA, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC and all partners involved in delivering this important work.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this possible, especially our team on site from INRB, ITM, and our colleagues and friends from ALIMA. We owe them our profound thanks for the commitment, dedication and risks they have taken to reach this important milestone. Today is about celebrating their achievement."– NPEU Clinical Trials Unit
Further Information
Read the WHO Press Release.
Read more about Oxford's vaccine development here.