The search for effective treatments for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus is continuing, with researchers investigating medicines that could help patients recover from the disease. ALSO READ: WHO trials new Ebola treatments in DR Congo Unlike Zaire ebolavirus, for which two treatments are approved in the United States, Bundibugyo virus has no specifically approved therapeutics. Patients rely on supportive care, including fluid replacement and treatment of complications, as researchers work to establish which experimental medicines can safely and effectively treat the disease. Here are the drugs being studied and their potential uses. Remdesivir This is an antiviral medicine that interferes with a virus’s ability to make copies of its genetic material. It is being evaluated for its potential to treat Bundibugyo virus disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has prioritised remdesivir for clinical trials involving confirmed cases. Researchers are also assessing whether combining it with monoclonal antibodies could improve its effectiveness. Although remdesivir is approved for certain other viral infections, it is not approved as a treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease. Its effectiveness against this strain in humans has yet to be established. Remdesivir was developed by Gilead Sciences. In July 2026, the company announced a donation of more than 2,000 vials for the WHO-supported PARTNERS trial, as well as a donation for emergency use in Uganda. Maftivimab Maftivimab is a monoclonal antibody, a laboratory-produced protein designed to recognise and bind to a specific target. It targets a protein on the surface of the Ebola virus, potentially preventing the virus from entering human cells. It is one of three antibodies in Inmazeb, a treatment approved in the United States for Ebola disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus. WHO has prioritised maftivimab for clinical evaluation against Bundibugyo virus. However, its effectiveness against this strain has not been established in clinical trials. Maftivimab is one of the antibodies in Inmazeb, developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. MBP134 This is an experimental treatment made up of two monoclonal antibodies designed to recognise Ebola virus proteins and prevent the virus from infecting human cells. Laboratory and animal studies have shown promising activity against several Ebola virus species, including Bundibugyo virus. However, its effectiveness in humans has yet to be established. WHO has prioritised MBP134 for clinical trials to assess its potential to improve survival among patients with Bundibugyo virus disease. It has not been approved for use against Ebola. MBP134 is being developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical with support from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The US Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response has confirmed that investigational doses are being transferred for potential use in the DR Congo and Uganda. Obeldesivir Obeldesivir is an experimental oral antiviral being investigated for post-exposure prophylaxis, which involves giving medicine to people exposed to a virus before they develop symptoms to determine whether it can prevent illness. WHO has selected obeldesivir for clinical evaluation among contacts of confirmed or probable Bundibugyo Ebola cases. The medicine has not been approved for preventing or treating the disease. Obeldesivir was developed by Gilead Sciences. Opaganib Opaganib is an experimental oral medicine that targets processes in human cells that viruses use to enter and multiply, rather than acting directly on the virus. Preclinical studies found that opaganib inhibited Ebola virus activity in human immune cells called macrophages. The studies also found increased survival in one of two animal models and a potentially beneficial effect when the drug was combined with remdesivir. These findings are preliminary and do not establish whether opaganib is effective against Ebola in humans. The drug has not been approved for Ebola treatment. Clinical trial results involving patients with severe COVID-19 have also been reported, but findings from that trial concern a different disease and do not establish that opaganib reduces deaths among Ebola patients. Opaganib is being developed by RedHill Biopharma, which reported the preliminary Ebola findings in June 2026. Inmazeb Inmazeb combines three monoclonal antibodies, namely atoltivimab, maftivimab and odesivimab. Administered intravenously, it binds to proteins on the surface of Zaire ebolavirus, preventing the virus from invading human cells. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Inmazeb for adults and children with Ebola disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus. It is not approved for Bundibugyo virus disease, and its effectiveness against this strain has not been established through clinical evidence.The medicine was developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Ebanga This is a monoclonal antibody treatment administered intravenously. It binds to a protein on the surface of Ebola virus, preventing it from infecting human cells. The US FDA has approved it for adults and children with Ebola disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus. However, it is not approved for Bundibugyo virus disease, and its effectiveness against this strain has not been established. Ebanga was developed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics under licence from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Emergent BioSolutions handles its manufacturing, sales and distribution in the United States and Canada, while Ridgeback serves as its global access partner. The treatment is available free of charge in Ebola-affected countries through its access programme.
