After more than two decades of research, the world finally has an approved Ebola vaccine.
The European Commission granted marketing authorization to Merck’s vaccine, known as Ervebo, on Monday, less than a month after the European Medicines Agency recommended it be licensed. I
is currently being used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo under a “compassionate use” or research protocol similar to a clinical trial.
“The European Commission’s marketing authorization of Ervebo is the result of an unprecedented collaboration for which the entire world should be proud,” Ken Frazier, Merck’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
It is a historic milestone and a testament to the power of science, innovation and public-private partnership,” Frazier said, adding the company will work with the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and regulatory agencies in a number of African countries to license the vaccine. He said Merck will also work with the World Health Organization on vaccine prequalification, a process that would help countries that need the vaccine gain easier access to it.
By HELEN BRANSWELL, courtesy of STAT
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