Following outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization last week introduced five new investigational therapeutics meant for the treatment of the disease.

Relevant authorities in DRC have since approved the use of this line of drugs for the treatment of EVD, equally representing the first time such treatment will be available in the country.

According to a WHO statement, four of the five newly introduced drugs are available in the country presently; GS-5734, mAb114, Zmapp, and REGN monoclonal antibody combination, under a framework of expanded access and compassionate use.

Clinicians and health workers posted to different treatment centres are to make important choices on which drug will suit patients and the settings.

Treatments are only to be used after due protocol has been followed and the consent of the patient has been sought after. This should be done in conjunction with close monitoring and reporting of adverse effect that may occur.

Back in May, WHO summoned a group scientific experts to evaluate potential investigational therapeutics for EVD while the outbreak was ongoing in DRC.

Their findings suggested that there still exist a group of pathogens for which interventions do not apply.

Some interventions against selected pathogens passed laboratory trials and use on animal models but are yet to undergo human trials.

Due protocol requires that these interventions undergo clinical trials to be able to generate reliable evidence concerning safety, potency, and efficacy.

WHO however, recommends the use of laboratory proven intervention in the advent of an outbreak involving high mortality rates. It can be ethically correct to make use of this same interventions on an individual basis in case of an emergency separate from clinical trials.

Information on the extent of the oubreak in DRC remains limited as investigations continue to progress.

However, WHO considers the public health risk at national level very high, and equally sets the risk at regional level very high.

Globally, the risk level is low but WHO said it will review the risk assessment information as further details become available.

Meanwhile plans have already been made by the Government of DRC, WHO, and other partners to place checks at entry points so as to curb the spread of the disease to other provinces or international terrains.

The WHO, has stressed, however, that the Ebola Outbreak in DRC don't meet the requirements of a public health emergency or international concern. Hence, there should be no international trade or travel restrictions.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)