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Ebola: Drug Therapy Approaches

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    BY: MIYINGO Ivan, MPhil, B. Pharm, MPS Drug Treatment Approaches Treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD) is based on two major approaches: specific antiviral therapies using monoclonal antibodies (for certain strains) and intensive supportive care, which remains the most important life-saving component in most cases. The only FDA-approved treatments currently available are used specifically for Zaire ebolavirus , the most studied Ebola strain.  These include Inmazeb (atoltivimab, maftivimab, and odesivimab) and Ebanga (ansuvimab) .  Inmazeb is a combination of three monoclonal antibodies that work together to bind to the Ebola virus surface protein, blocking its ability to enter and infect human cells.  It is approved for both adults and children, including newborns of infected mothers.  Ebanga is a single monoclonal antibody that works in a similar way by neutralizing the virus and preventing it from attaching to human cells.  Both therapie...
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Treatment of Ebola Virus Infection (Summary of Therapeutic Strategies)

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  BY: MIYINGO Ivan, MPhil, B. Pharm, MPS Treatment of Ebola Virus Infection Treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD) is mainly based on supportive care, experimental antiviral therapies, and monoclonal antibody treatments, since there is still no universally effective cure for all Ebola strains. The most important and proven approach is intensive supportive care, which focuses on helping the body survive the severe effects of the infection.  Patients often suffer from massive fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and bleeding.  Therefore, treatment includes careful replacement of fluids and electrolytes, maintaining blood pressure, and preventing dehydration.  Oxygen support, management of organ failure, and correction of blood clotting abnormalities are also essential.  Early and aggressive supportive care significantly improves survival rates. Another major component is the use of specific antiviral and biologic therapies, especially monoclonal antibodie...
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EBOLA: American Surgeon Dr. Peter Stafford Evacuated to Berlin After Contracting Rare Ebola Strain in Congo

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BY: MIYINGO Ivan, MPhil, B. Pharm, MPS American Surgeon Dr. Peter Stafford Evacuated to Berlin Peter Stafford is described as an American surgeon and medical missionary who was working in the Democratic Republic of Congo with the Christian medical organization Serge when he became infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola during the current outbreak. He was reportedly exposed while performing emergency surgery on a patient who presented with severe abdominal symptoms before Ebola had been confirmed in that case.  The patient died shortly after, and only later was the infection identified as Ebola, which meant that Dr. Stafford had already been exposed during a high-risk surgical procedure involving bodily fluids. After his condition was confirmed, he was placed under strict infection control procedures and then evacuated by specialized medical air transport to Charité Hospital in Berlin, Germany, one of the few hospitals in the world equipped with high-level biocontainment un...
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