GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP) — The trial of two potential treatments for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola behind the deadly outbreak in the DR Congo began in the country on Thursday, the World Health Organization said.

There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the rare strain which has been spreading in the northeastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There have been 1,406 confirmed cases and 438 confirmed deaths in the DRC, while 208 people have recovered from the virus, according to figures from the WHO.

“Today, the clinical trial of two therapeutics began, with the enrolment of the first patient,” with the trial evaluating the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, alone and in combination, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.

He said the study was being conducted by the DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research, backed up by partners including the WHO.

“Patients who enroll in the trial will receive comprehensive supportive care and close follow-up,” Tedros insisted.

“We are also working to ensure they have access to the two drugs should they prove safe and efficacious in the trial.”