After nearly half a century without any treatments, the world now has two approved treatments for Ebola virus disease—mAb114 and REGN-EB3. The approval of these treatments was the outcome of a collective effort, including contributions by patients and survivors, the US and European governments, countries affected by Ebola, pharmaceutical corporations, the World Health Organization, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
However, more than two years after their approval, the process of ensuring that the people who need these treatments can access them is at a standstill. As crucial contributors to the research and development (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 report from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) 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 Ebola and other diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential.
