ZMapp

ZMapp, being developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., is an experimental treatment, for use with individuals infected with Ebola virus. ZMapp is the result of a collaboration between Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc, LeafBio, Defyrus Inc., the US government and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

ZMapp is a combination of three different “humanized” monoclonal antibodies manufactured in plants, specifically Nicotiana, that bind to the protein of the Ebola virus. The monoclonal antibodies bind to the virus so the human immune system can clear the virus. It is an optimized combination of the best components of two other investigational Ebola treatments, MB-003 (Mapp) and ZMab (Defyrus/PHAC).

ZMapp is not a vaccine. Instead, ZMapp is being developed as a therapeutic product for treatment of people infected with Ebola virus, and is not a prevention for the Ebola virus infection.

ZMapp was first identified as a drug candidate in January 2014 and has not yet been tested in humans for safety or effectiveness.

At this time, very few courses of this experimental treatment have been manufactured. Since the product is still in an experimental stage, it is too early to know whether ZMapp is effective. The manufacturer reports there is a very limited supply of this drug, so it cannot be purchased and is not available for general use.

The manufacturer of this experimental treatment continues to research and evaluate the product's safety and effectiveness and much more study is needed.

Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., and its partners are currently working with governmental agencies to quickly increase production of ZMapp.

• Defyrus, Inc.

• LeafBio

• Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc.