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An inhalable vaccine has shown 100 percent efficiency in protecting non-human primates against Ebola, paving the way for trials in humans.

The vaccine which has been under development for seven years protected monkeys for 150 days in preclinical trials. The same vaccine when given as intramuscular injection can only offer 50 percent protection, Daily Mail reported.

"The main advantage of our vaccine platform over the others in clinical testing is the long-lasting protection after a single inhaled dose. This is important since the longevity of other vaccines for Ebola that are currently being evaluated is not fully evaluated. Moreover, this immunization method is more attractive than an injectable vaccine given the costs associated with syringe distribution and needle safety and disposal," said one of the study's author Professor Maria Croyle of the University of Texas at Austin's College of Pharmacy, in a press release.  

The study is being presented on November 5 at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition.

Ebola is a dangerous virus with fatality rates ranging between 25 percent and 90 percent. The current outbreak in West Africa has claimed more than 5,000 lives. Experts have warned that up to a million people could be infected by next year. With no cure or vaccine available, the virus has become a global health concern.

"There is a desperate need for a vaccine that not only prevents the continued transmission from person to person, but also aids in controlling future incidences," said Jonsson-Schmunk, co-author of the study.

Researchers said in the next stage phase I clinical trials in humans would be conducted. If proved effective, it could offer the required breakthrough as inhalable vaccine would get around problems of logistics and storing, seen as major problems in developing countries which lack robust health infrastructure.