Janssen to fast-track development of Ebola vaccine

Janssen will be working with key global health partners to accelerate the development of a promising combination vaccine regimen against Ebola.

The accelerated vaccine programme features a prime-boost regimen, in which one vector is used to prime and the other to boost immune response. It has been developed using technology from Janssen subsidiary Crucell and Danish biotech company Bavarian Nordic.

Direct funding and preclinical service support from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has helped to fast-track the development of this new vaccine, with the aim of commencing human trials in early 2015.

In addition to this, Janssen's parent company Johnson and Johnson is looking into how previously tested medicines can help promote survival among Ebola patients, while also working with Direct Relief International to supply infection prevention products to the affected areas.

Dr Johan Van Hoof, global head of infectious diseases and vaccines at Janssen and managing director of Crucell, said: "We recognise the urgency of the situation and the need to collaborate with multiple partners to develop treatment and preventive solutions for Ebola."

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,900 people have now died in the current Ebola outbreak in west Africa, with 40 percent of these deaths coming in the last three weeks.