CHMP backs Merck’s Ebola vaccine, a first

EMA’s CHMP issued its first positive opinion for an Ebola vaccine and backed AbbVie’s rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

The agency recommended approving Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) from Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK), to prevent infection by the Ebola Zaire species. The World Health Organization began administrating Ervebo, a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vaccine expressing an Ebola virus protein, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2018 as part of an expanded access protocol. Phase III data showed effective protection against Ebola following a single dose. The vaccine is under Priority Review in the U.S. with a PDUFA date of March 14 (see “WHO to Start Treatment with Merck’s Ebola Vaccine”)...