The PARTNERS clinical trial has started enrolling patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to evaluate potential treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). The international study brings together researchers from the University of Oxford, the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in the DRC, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Belgium. The World Health Organization (WHO) sponsors the trial as part of the response to the ongoing outbreak.

Unlike many emergency studies, the PARTNERS platform was designed before an outbreak occurred. As a result, researchers were able to begin the trial quickly after cases of Bundibugyo virus disease emerged. The platform also allows scientists to evaluate multiple treatments at the same time and adjust the study as new evidence becomes available. Therefore, researchers hope to identify effective therapies much faster than with traditional clinical trials.

Scientists are initially testing two investigational antiviral therapies. One treatment uses the monoclonal antibody MBP134, while the other uses the antiviral medicine remdesivir. Researchers will also examine whether combining both treatments improves survival more than either treatment alone. Every participant will continue receiving standard supportive medical care throughout the study.

PARTNERS Clinical Trial Seeks Better Ebola Treatments

The PARTNERS clinical trial focuses on Bundibugyo virus disease, one of the viruses that causes Ebola disease. Although approved treatments exist for some Ebola virus species, no approved therapy currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain. Consequently, healthcare providers have relied mainly on supportive care during the current outbreak. Researchers hope this study will provide the scientific evidence needed to improve patient outcomes.

The trial accepts patients of all ages who have confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Medical teams provide fluids, electrolyte replacement, oxygen therapy, blood pressure management, and pain relief according to international treatment guidelines. At the same time, researchers carefully monitor participants to determine whether the investigational treatments improve survival rates.

Health officials say conducting research during an active outbreak is essential. Instead of waiting until an outbreak ends, scientists can collect evidence while patients receive treatment. This approach allows new knowledge to support current medical care and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks. In addition, the platform can be adapted for future filovirus outbreaks in different countries without creating an entirely new trial each time.

Oxford Collaboration Supports Global Health Research

The University of Oxford has played a key role in developing the PARTNERS platform through its Pandemic Sciences Institute. Researchers worked with international partners for several years to prepare trial protocols, strengthen research infrastructure, and establish collaborations before outbreaks occurred. Because this groundwork was already complete, investigators could launch the study rapidly once the outbreak began.

The project also demonstrates the value of international scientific cooperation. Government health agencies, research institutes, humanitarian organizations, and healthcare workers are working together to improve treatment options for affected communities. Researchers believe this collaborative model can accelerate responses to future infectious disease emergencies while improving access to high-quality clinical research.

Although the trial has only recently begun enrolling participants, researchers expect the findings to provide important evidence for future treatment decisions. If one or more therapies prove effective, the results could improve survival for people affected by Bundibugyo virus disease and strengthen global preparedness for future Ebola outbreaks. Scientists will continue monitoring patient outcomes as enrolment progresses throughout the study.