Researchers enroll more than 250 people in Congo Ebola prevention trial

More than 250 people have enrolled in a trial in eastern Congo testing whether Gilead’s experimental antiviral pill obeldesivir can prevent Ebola after exposure, the Associated Press reported. The trial began in July and targets Bundibugyo virus, which the report says is responsible for the outbreak and has no approved vaccine or treatment.

The trial aims to recruit nearly 1,000 adults or children over the age of 12 who have had contact with a confirmed case within the last five days and have no symptoms. Half will receive a placebo. Participants are monitored in person every day for 21 days, with a final phone call after 42 days, according to Dr. Godefroid Basara, who is working on the trial. If participants develop symptoms, ALIMA said they will receive supportive treatment.