The World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory Group on Therapeutics Prioritization (TAG-TP) has reviewed the role of immunomodulators and host-directed therapies for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). The group focused on how these treatments might fit into future clinical research, especially given the limited evidence base.
Limited evidence and knowledge gaps
Currently, researchers have not conducted human studies that fully describe how Bundibugyo virus affects disease progression after infection. Instead, they mainly rely on data from related viruses such as Ebola virus (particularly Zaire ebolavirus) and animal models. However, this evidence is not strong enough to confidently guide treatment selection for BVD.
As a result, uncertainty remains about how immunomodulators may influence outcomes, since their effects can vary depending on timing and disease stage.
Need for better clinical data
To address these gaps, WHO emphasizes the need to generate high-quality clinical data on the natural history of BVD. This includes studying patients in well-equipped treatment sites and collecting detailed information on immune response, viral load, inflammation, coagulation changes, and organ damage.
As per a WHO news release on 26 June 2026, this evidence is essential to identify reliable biomarkers and guide future therapeutic trials.
Implications for clinical trials
WHO stresses that without stronger evidence, the use of immunomodulatory or host-directed therapies in trials must remain cautious. In addition, careful patient selection and appropriate timing of treatment are critical, since these interventions may either help or worsen outcomes depending on disease progression.
Therefore, WHO recommends prioritizing structured clinical trials and coordinated data collection before wider use of these therapies.
Conclusion
Overall, WHO highlights that immunomodulators and host-directed therapies remain experimental for BVD. Strengthening clinical research, improving biomarker understanding, and generating robust trial data are essential steps before these treatments can be safely and effectively applied.