Rwanda Launches Groundbreaking Research on Marburg Virus

Rwanda is leading the way in Marburg virus research with a pioneering study aimed at uncovering critical insights into the body’s immune response to the virus.

The study, supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), is the first of its kind to involve individuals who have recovered from the Marburg outbreak that struck the country late last year.

By studying the immune systems of survivors, researchers hope to unlock essential information that could guide the development of vaccines, treatments, and improved clinical care for the deadly disease.

Rwanda’s swift and effective response to its first-ever Marburg outbreak has become a model for other countries facing viral threats. The outbreak, which was declared over on December 20th, saw 66 individuals infected, with the majority being healthcare workers. Tragically, 15 lives were lost, but the majority of patients recovered, providing a unique opportunity for scientists to study the virus’s effects on the body.

The two-year research project, based in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, will focus on understanding how the immune system of recovered individuals responds to the virus. By donating blood samples, survivors will contribute valuable data that could identify markers of protection, including levels of antibodies, B cells, and T cells. This information is crucial for developing the first-ever safe and effective Marburg vaccines and other medical countermeasures.

The study is being led by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) in collaboration with the Rwandan clinical research centre, Rinda Ubuzima, and is funded by CEPI. Professor Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of RBC, expressed the significance of the partnership, saying, “This research will address critical scientific questions and provide insights that can guide the development of vaccines, treatments, and improved clinical care. Rwanda remains committed to leveraging science and innovation to strengthen our health systems and ensure preparedness for future outbreaks.”

Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, emphasized the importance of Rwanda’s response to the Marburg outbreak, noting, “The majority of those infected with the virus recovered, providing scientists with this unique and game-changing opportunity to uncover more about Marburg infection.” He also praised Rwanda’s robust health system, which continues to advance its research capacity through investments in laboratory infrastructure, such as freezers to safely store biological samples.

Marburg, a virus closely related to Ebola, has a high mortality rate, with previous outbreaks claiming up to 88% of those infected. The virus is transmitted through prolonged exposure to infected bat colonies or human-to-human contact via bodily fluids. Symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and vomiting, often followed by hemorrhagic fever and death.

Rwanda’s fast response to the Marburg outbreak also included mass contact tracing, testing, and the launch of a Phase II clinical trial for a Marburg vaccine developed by the Sabin Vaccine Institute. The country’s continued investment in healthcare and epidemic preparedness ensures that Rwanda is well-equipped to tackle future viral threats.

The research study will enroll up to 300 individuals, including those who recovered from the Marburg outbreak, their close contacts, and non-infected control participants. Results from the study will be shared openly, contributing to global efforts to develop vaccines and treatments for Marburg and similar diseases.

As Rwanda continues to lead the charge in Marburg research, the survivors’ contributions offer hope for future breakthroughs and for protecting others from the devastating impact of this deadly virus.