Health Canada has given Moderna Inc. the green light to launch a clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo form of the Ebola virus. This marks the second candidate to enter clinical trials against the strain driving the deadliest outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's history.

This specific form of the Ebola virus was long considered rare and has no approved vaccines or treatments. This year’s outbreak is already considered the second-deadliest on record, with more than 3,800 infections and over 1,700 deaths recorded in eastern Congo since mid-May.

Health Canada stated that the trial will assess the vaccine’s safety, determine the right dosing, and identify any side-effects in participants. Following this, Moderna would be required to conduct additional clinical trial phases to meet stringent safety, efficacy, and quality standards before any final submission for market approval.