Filovirus CORC Scientific Consultation - Research Priorities in Response to the Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo and Future Filovirus

5 September 2025 17:00 – 18:30 CET

Background

On 4 September 2025, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an Ebola virus disease outbreak in Kasai Province, with 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers. The outbreak underscores the urgent need to combine rapid field response with a coordinated research agenda to accelerate advances in Ebola medical countermeasures.

In response, on 5 September 2025, ANRS-MIE and WHO convened a Filovirus Collaborative Open Consortium (CORC) Scientific Consultation. The meeting brought together experts from the DRC and the international research community to assess the evolving situation, share lessons learned, and define joint research priorities.

From these discussions, 10 key research actions were identified, reflecting a dual imperative:

  1. Support effective, real-time outbreak response.
  2. Strengthen long-term preparedness for future filovirus epidemics.

An important recommendation emerging from the consultation was the creation of three expert subgroups to focus on therapeutics, vaccines, and laboratory science. These groups will help ensure that immediate research needs are met while advancing longer-term preparedness.

By pursuing these priorities through coordinated platforms such as the Filovirus CORC and Partner Trials, the global health community can reinforce both immediate response efforts and sustainable preparedness against future outbreaks.

 Objectives of the Consultation

  • Reaffirm the importance of research before, during, and after filovirus outbreaks.
  • Identify and address current knowledge gaps.
  • Promote collaboration, efficiency, and transparency in research methods and the sharing of findings.

 Topics Covered

  1. Current outbreak situation in DRC.
  2. WHO & partners’ response.
  3. Clinical trials and therapeutics.
  4. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) research.
  5. Vaccine research.
  6. Laboratory and genomic capabilities.
  7. Research coordination and data sharing.
  8. Social science and community engagement.

Recording

For reference, here is the Zoom recording link with password (wg*2&g.m).