Merck Sharp and Dohme and NewLink Genetics to create Ebola vaccine

Merck Sharp and Dohme is to ally with NewLink Genetics on the development of the latter company's investigational rVSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine candidate.

The exclusive worldwide license agreement will see Merck Sharp and Dohme helping to research, develop, manufacture and distribute the vaccine, which was originally developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

It is currently being evaluated in phase I trials that, if successful, will be followed by a larger phase III study in early 2015. Merck will be granted the exclusive rights to the rVSV-EBOV vaccine candidate, as well as any follow-on products, under the terms of the deal.

The vaccine is being developed in response to the current Ebola outbreak in west Africa, which is already the most serious epidemic of the disease in recorded history.

Dr Julie Gerberding, president of Merck Vaccines, said: "Merck is committed to applying our vaccine expertise to address important global health needs and, through our collaboration with NewLink, we hope to advance the public health response to this urgent international health priority."

A number of companies are already developing Ebola vaccines of their own, including GlaxoSmithKline and Janssen.