Carmarthenshire could be at the forefront of tackling the Ebola virus as Newcastle Emlyn-based company, MicroPharm, sets out to develop an antibody therapy for the disease.

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) – commonly referred to as Ebola – is a severe, often fatal illness. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks, with the average case fatality rate around 50 per cent.

The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The current outbreak in west Africa is the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976. There have been more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined.

Carmarthenshire-based MicroPharm has been at the forefront of the effort to produce antivenoms which are effective, safe and, critically, affordable by the local population. It is particularly involved in producing antivenoms for Africa where its antivenom for bites from the ‘carpet viper’ snake (Echis ocellatus) has treated 55,000 people in Nigeria. MicroPharm also produces ViperaTAb® , an antivenom for the treatment of adder bites which is used in the UK and in the Nordic countries

MP Jonathan Edwards, met with MicroPharm founders and representatives at their Newcastle Emlyn base on Friday to discuss the company’s work in developing treatments for a range of disease and infection. Discussions included the company’s advanced work on tackling C. difficile and its efforts to develop a treatment for Ebola.

Speaking after his visit to MicroPharm, Jonathan Edwards praised the work undertaken by the company. He said Carmarthenshire residents would be deeply proud to know a company developing world-leading medicines was based in our county. Mr Edwards said:

“It was an incredible experience to meet with the founders and representatives of MicroPharm this week and learn about the work MicroPharm has undertaken developing and producing antivenoms for use around the world. After my visit I am in no doubt that its work has helped to save thousands of lives.

“An infection that many Carmarthenshire residents will have heard of is C. difficile – a bacterial infection which is commonly found in hospitals. MicroPharm, working with Public Health England and Leeds University, will begin its Phase 1 clinical trial in January to produce an antibody treatment for this infection.

“The news agenda in recent months has been dominated by the awful scenes in Africa where Ebola has cost the lives for hundreds of people. Ebola is a disease of poverty, where poor sanitation and lack of clean water makes tackling the disease extremely difficult. While western governments are involved in the current outbreak it is inevitable that the disease will return in future. In partnership with Oxford University and Public Health England, MicroPharm is working to develop an antibody therapy to treat the disease, looking to have a product available within 12 months for clinical trial in Ebola victims.

“The high regard in which the company is held will see MicroPharm’s Chief Executive, Ian Cameron, travel to Africa next week to meet with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health for direct discussions on a collaborative venture to develop an immunotherapy to treat Ebola Virus Disease.

“My visit has told me that MicroPharm’s project is based upon sound science and will produce an affordable and effective product. Its work can make a significant difference to public health and showcase Wales as playing a leading role in providing safe and effective medicine.

“I was delighted to hear of MicroPharm’s plans for expansion and creating more skilled jobs in west Wales. I think all of Carmarthenshire will be deeply proud to have such a company based in our county.

“I believe there is a duty on all governments to actively support small and medium sized pharmaceutical companies that look to establish world-leading medicines. I have written to the Prime Minister seeking his personal intervention in ensuring that MicroPharm is given the appropriate support as it seeks to develop this world-leading treatment for Ebola.”