Merck & Co's vaccine for the Ebola virus received recommendation of approval from a panel of the European drugs regulator on Friday, taking it a step closer in becoming the first vaccine to be officially sanctioned for the rare and deadly disease.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said its human medicines committee (CHMP) has recommended granting conditional marketing authorization in the European Union for the vaccine to be branded as Ervebo for individuals 18 and older and at risk of contacting the Zaire Ebola virus.
Final approval depends on the European Commission, which generally follows recommendations from the CHMP.
