NIH to Launch First Human Trial of Ebola Vaccine

The untreatable disease of Ebola may now have a cure. The National Institute of Health has just announced a new trial of vaccines to be tested on volunteers. A version which previously was used to protect monkeys will now be used on human subjects whose lives don't really mean much to society.

According to officials, there are no "infectious materials from the virus mixed with the vaccine." The unnecessary comment leaves some to wonder if the NIH originally planned to give their subjects Ebola. Regardless, many are hoping for a positive result after multiple cases led to deaths in the Congo.

The trial consists of 27 volunteers between the age of 18 and 44 years old. Scientists will inject roughly half with the vaccine and the other portion with a placebo. Subjects will then be assessed after receiving three injections over the course of 2 months. If no one dies during the trial, scientists will then evaluate the overall health of each individual. Tests are expected to begin in 2005.

Nov 20, 2003