After nearly half a century without any treatments, the world now has two approved treatments for Ebola virus disease (EVD) – mAb114 and REGN-EB3. The approval of these treatments was the outcome of a collective effort, comprising contributions by patients and survivors, the US and European governments, countries affected by EVD, pharmaceutical corporations, the World Health Organization and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
However, more than two years after their approval, the process of ensuring that people who need these treatments can access them is at a standstill. As crucial contributors to the R&D of these treatments, survivors, affected countries and NGOs should have a say in this process. But decisions related to access and affordability are currently left only to the private corporations holding legal rights and regulatory data, and to the goodwill of these corporations and national governments.
This MSF report takes stock of the varied public contributions to the R&D of these treatments and their access challenges. It makes recommendations to improve access and availability of the treatments, ensure transparency of processes and decisions regarding stockpiles, and recalibrate R&D for future treatments for EVD and other diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential.