Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) announced an expanded collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop a vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, with CEPI committing up to $50 million for the program.

The funding will support preclinical development and Phase 1 clinical testing of Moderna's investigational BDBV vaccine candidate. The agreement also includes parallel manufacturing activities to enable dose production during clinical evaluation.

The vaccine candidate uses Moderna's mRNA platform technology and builds on the company's existing filovirus research. Currently, no licensed vaccines exist for Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which causes Ebola virus disease.

The collaboration addresses the current Bundibugyo virus outbreak, which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by Africa CDC. The outbreak has resulted in more than 900 suspected cases and more than 220 suspected deaths.

"With Bundibugyo virus spreading rapidly and no licensed vaccines, every day counts in the race against this deadly disease," said Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI. "CEPI's urgent funding and support aims to advance safe, effective vaccines to help control this epidemic."

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel stated the company believes its mRNA platform can respond rapidly to emerging infectious disease threats and will advance the vaccine candidate with urgency and scientific rigor.

The current outbreak represents the third largest Filovirus outbreak in history, according to the press release statement.