Estonian firm to develop cure against Ebola in Africa

An Estonian and Finnish firm will develop a vaccine to fight against the deadly Ebola virus, local media reports.

Tallinn based Icosagen and Finland's FI Biotech Oy are developing what they say could be the remedy for the deadly disease which has claimed thousands of lives.

Over 4,000 have died amid the outbreak the Ebola virus in Africa. Countries including Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia have been particularly affected by the outbreak.

"As our technology can be well applied for Ebola vaccine development, we feel an obligation to participate in the fight against Ebola," said Mart Ustav, founder and CEO of Icosagen.

"I am confident that we can contribute, with our joint work, to preventing Ebola virus infection and treatment of the disease."

Ustav said the vaccine would hit the market in 2016, the Eesti Paevaleht newspaper reports.

Tartu University will also participate in the project whilst partners from France and Switzerland are also set to develop the project.