Use of untested drugs to fight Ebola is ethical: WHO

United Nations, Aug 13: As part of its efforts to combat the fast-spreading

, the World Health Organization has decided that it's ethical to use untested drugs and vaccines in West

, where the situation is severe.

The Ebola outbreak in Africa is one of the biggest in history. So far, it has killed more than 1,000 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria.

According to reports, the experimental treatment called ZMapp was given to two US aid workers whose conditions are improving. Another person to receive the drug was a Spanish missionary priest who died Tuesday in Madrid.

Although there has been no evidence to prove that ZMapp can completely cure the disease, reports say that an early version worked in some monkeys infected with Ebola.

ZMapp, made by Mapp Pharmaceuticals, is aimed at boosting the immune system. It is made out of tobacco plants.

According to an AP report, the limited supply of one experimental treatment is over now. It is known that the new supply will take months to arrive.

The US company that manufactures the drug is reportedly "exhausted." It is known that on Tuesday, Canada said it would provide some of its experimental Ebola vaccine for use in West Africa.

Oneindia News