Ebola Update: US, Liberia begin ZMapp Drug Trials

Drug trials for experimental Ebola drug, ZMapp have begun in Liberia, authorities say.

The trial is a joint effort between the Liberian government and the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Adults and children infected with Ebola will participate in the trial which will also be conducted in the US.

The drug was created by Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc's and has already been used in treating a few Ebola patients, including two US aid workers.

However, according to the Director of the NIAID, Anthony Fauci there’s still no way to tell if ZMapp is safe and effective in treating the disease.

The trial is expected to conclude in December 2016, subject to changes in the current epidemic.

Ebola has killed more than 9,000 people in West Africa in the current outbreak which has been described as the worst in history.