Gilead Donates 5,000 Remdesivir Doses to Support Rwanda’s Fight Against Marburg Virus Outbreak

In a significant effort to combat the ongoing Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda, Gilead Sciences has announced the donation of approximately 5,000 vials of remdesivir (Veklury®). This antiviral drug, approved by the U.S. FDA, is being supplied for emergency use, despite no existing vaccines approved specifically for MVD.

The current outbreak, Rwanda’s first of its kind, has resulted in 11 fatalities from 36 confirmed cases as of October 3, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the outbreak’s risk as very high at the national level and high at the regional level, with further cases anticipated.

Though remdesivir was initially developed to treat Ebola, its efficacy against Marburg virus remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, several promising Marburg vaccine candidates are undergoing clinical trials, hoping to address the urgent need for effective treatment.

Rwanda’s local government, along with international health agencies, continues to prioritize controlling the spread of MVD. The donation from Gilead represents a critical effort in the fight to contain this deadly outbreak.