The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe and often deadly illness that affects humans and some animals, such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees.

The virus attacks humans and causes hemorrhagic fever, which damages organs and tissues and results in a high rate of mortality. Throughout history, there have been multiple outbreaks of Ebola in different countries in Central and West Africa, causing panic among the affected communities and a surge in global health concerns.

Researchers and scientists have been working tirelessly to find a cure, and it seems there has been a significant breakthrough!.

The History of Ebola Virus

The Ebola virus was first identified in 1976, near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The virus is a member of the Filoviridae family and can cause severe clinical symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. In the initial stages, symptoms of Ebola can be confused with other diseases, such as malaria and typhoid fever.

The disease spreads through close contact with infected animals or people, which makes it very contagious among families or healthcare workers.

The Outbreaks of Ebola Virus

Since the first outbreak in 1976, there have been multiple incidents of Ebola outbreaks around the world.

In 2014, an outbreak in West Africa rapidly spread and affected thousands of people, leading to more than 11,000 deaths in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The epidemic was so severe that the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern.

The outbreak caused global awareness and prompted intensive research and development of a vaccine and antiviral drugs for the Ebola virus.

The Development of Breakthrough Drugs for Ebola Virus

In recent years, research and development have focused on developing vaccines and antiviral drugs for the virus. Two drugs, called REGN-EB3 and mAb114, have been found to be effective in treating Ebola in clinical trials.

With the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, scientists were eager to test the effectiveness of these drugs. Both drugs were given to patients in the country, and the results show that the drugs significantly reduced the number of deaths by 90% when compared to the standard care control group.

REGN-EB3

REGN-EB3 is a cocktail of three monoclonal antibodies that target the Ebola virus and bind to the glycoprotein, preventing the virus from entering into host cells.

The drug was developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and has been found to be incredibly effective in treating the Ebola virus. In a clinical trial conducted in the Ebola virus-affected regions of Africa, REGN-EB3 was shown to reduce mortality by 66% in comparison to the control group.

mAb114

mAb114 is a monoclonal antibody drug that was developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The drug targets the glycoprotein of the Ebola virus and prevents it from entering into host cells. The clinical trial of this drug was carried out during the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results show that mAb114 significantly reduces mortality among patients, making it an effective therapy for the virus.

Side Effects of the Drugs

The clinical trials of REGN-EB3 and mAb114 have shown that both drugs can cause mild side effects, such as fever and chills. However, these are not a cause for concern, and the benefits of the drugs outweigh the risks.

The drugs are relatively safe and well-tolerated.

The Future of Treating Ebola

The development of these new drugs has created hope for the treatment of Ebola. The success of these drugs in clinical trials indicates that they could become the first-line therapy for the virus, and significantly reduce mortality rates.

The effectiveness of these drugs also provides a foundation for future research and development of new therapies for other viral and bacterial infections.

The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection and treatment are essential in controlling the spread of Ebola. It is crucial to identify and isolate infected individuals as quickly as possible to prevent further transmission.

Individuals who have been exposed to the virus should be monitored for any signs of illness, and treatment should be initiated as soon as symptoms develop. With the availability of these new drugs, early detection and treatment will become more important than ever, as the chances of survival have increased significantly.

Conclusion

The development of REGN-EB3 and mAb114 drugs represents an impressive milestone in the fight against the Ebola virus. With the outbreaks of Ebola in various countries, the availability of these drugs could help to significantly reduce mortality rates.

Early detection, isolation, and treatment are critical in the control of transmission and spread of the virus. And, the availability of these drugs reinforces the importance of having an effective and efficient healthcare system in place.