Merck’s Ebola Vaccine Won’t See Approval in 2017

With the Ebola epidemic that’s killed 11,000 people looming, Merck & Co. will miss filing its vaccine for FDA approval this year.

Merck / Image: FiercePharma
Merck / Image: FiercePharma

The FDA has made an effort to expedite Ebola vaccines through the approval process, but according to a recent FiercePharma article, Merck will miss its goal of filing this year. Merck spokeswoman Pamela Eisele noted that they are “committed to developing and seeking approval for [their] Ebola vaccine as quickly as possible,” and they expect to file for approval with a “major regulatory agency in 2018.”

Merck was granted a $5 million advance purchase commitment from the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, but the deal was contingent on the company filing the vaccine for approval by the end of 2017. A spokesperson from Gavi said that the agreement “should not be substantively affected” by the delayed filing.

Liquid Foods Innovations Report
Welcome to the inaugural Packaging World/ProFood World Innovations Report on liquid food packaging, drawn from nearly 300 PACK EXPO International booth visits (Chicago, Nov. 3–6, 2024). Our editors highlight the most groundbreaking equipment and materials—supported by video demos—that promise to transform how liquid foods are processed, packaged, and delivered.
Learn More
Liquid Foods Innovations Report
Dairy Food & Beverage Innovations Report
Discover cutting-edge packaging and processing solutions in the inaugural Packaging World/ProFood World Innovations Report. From high-speed filling machines to mono-material lids, see how the latest advancements from PACK EXPO International 2024 are driving safety, sustainability, and extended shelf life—shaping the future of dairy food and beverage packaging.
Access Now
Dairy Food & Beverage Innovations Report