The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a fatal disease with occasional outbreaks on the African continent. Most commonly, EVD affects humans and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It is caused by a group of viruses within the genus Ebolavirus.
World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first guideline for Ebola virus disease therapeutics, including recommendations for two monoclonal antibodies. A monoclonal antibody is produced by a single clone of cells or cell lines and is composed of identical antibody molecules [1].
These treatments remain difficult to obtain, particularly in areas with limited resources. However, these drugs should be available to patients in areas where there is an active outbreak of Ebola or where the risk of outbreaks is high or very likely.
WHO urges the international community to increase access to these lifesaving medicines.
Previously, Ebola outbreaks and responses have demonstrated that early diagnosis and treatment with optimized supportive care, such as fluid replacement and treatment of symptoms, significantly improve survival rates.
"This therapeutic guide is a critical tool to fight Ebola. It will help reassure the communities, health care workers and patients that this life-threatening disease can be treated thanks to effective drugs."
He continued, "From now on, people infected with the Ebola virus will have a greater chance of recovering if they seek care as early as possible. As with other infectious diseases, timeliness is key, and people should not hesitate to consult health workers as quickly as possible to ensure they receive the best care possible," said Dr Richard Kojan, co-chair of the Guideline Development Group of experts selected by WHO [4].
As part of its commitment to improving access to these treatments, WHO is prepared to support countries, manufacturers and partners, as well as national and global efforts to increase the affordability of biotherapeutics and similar biotherapeutics.
To improve access to drugs for communities and countries affected by Ebola, WHO has published the first invitation to therapeutics manufacturers against the Ebola virus to share their drugs with the WHO Prequalification Unit for evaluation.