WHO recommends two new lifesaving medicines to treat Ebola

UN news
Aug 19, 2022

WHO recommends two new lifesaving medicines to treat Ebola


The recommendation follows review and analysis of clinical trials for the  monoclonal antibodies mAb114 (known as Ansuvimab or Ebanga) and REGN-EB3 (Inmazeb), which have demonstrated clear benefits for people who have tested positive for Ebola, which is often fatal. 

This includes older persons, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and newborns whose mothers were confirmed to have Ebola within the first seven days after birth.

Trial by fire 

The clinical trials were conducted during Ebola outbreaks.  WHO said the largest trial was carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, demonstrating that the highest level of scientific rigour can be applied even during Ebola outbreaks in difficult contexts. 

The UN agency also provided recommendations regarding therapeutics that should not be used as treatments, which include ZMapp and remdesivir. 

The new guidance, published simultaneously in English and French, will support healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients as well as policymakers involved in outbreak preparedness and response.