Marburg and Sudan virus outbreaks: are we any closer to a pan-filovirus vaccine?

Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and Vaccines · Published 2026-02-03 · DOI 10.1186/s40794-026-00291-6

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Abstract

Abstract Filoviruses, including Ebola, Marburg, and Sudan viruses, cause severe hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality rates and outbreaks. While recent vaccine developments such as the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine for Ebola have marked important progress and is now licensed by the FDA and the EMA, they remain virus-specific and limited in scope. The urgent need for a broad, cross-protective pan-filovirus vaccine is clear, especially considering recurring outbreaks and the potential for global spread. This paper reviews the current landscape of filovirus vaccine research, highlighting promising platforms, challenges in achieving cross-species protection, and lessons learned from past public health responses. It also emphasizes the scientific and logistical hurdles, such as antigenic diversity and the sporadic nature of outbreaks, which complicate vaccine development. Recommendations include sustained investment, collaborative research, and flexible trial designs. Ultimately, a pan-filovirus vaccine would be a vital tool in global health preparedness and reaching that goal will require long-term vision and commitment from the international community.

Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).

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Publication details

Year
2026

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