Oral Drug Obildesivir Demonstrates 100% Effectiveness Against Ebola in Monkeys

Scientists have discovered that the oral antiviral drug Obildesivir effectively prevents death in monkeys infected with Ebola, showing potential for managing future outbreaks. This drug offers advantages such as ease of storage and distribution compared to injectable treatments. The study found 100% protection in rhesus monkeys and 80% in macaques, enhancing immune response while reducing inflammation, indicating promising usage in post-exposure scenarios.

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough by discovering an oral antiviral drug that has successfully prevented the death of monkeys infected with the Ebola virus. This advancement holds promise for managing and potentially preventing future outbreaks of this highly lethal virus.

The Ebola virus is known for its high mortality rates, which can reach up to 90% in infected individuals. Previous outbreaks, such as the one in West Africa from 2013 to 2016, resulted in over 11,000 deaths, while another outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda led to nearly 2,300 fatalities from 3,481 cases.

Although antibody-based treatments have seen some success, their effectiveness is hindered by challenges related to storage and transportation, particularly the need for refrigeration. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for oral treatments that can be quickly and broadly distributed, especially in areas with limited resources.

According to scientists, “Oral antiviral drugs offer several advantages over injectable treatments, including ease of supply, storage, distribution, and administration.”

The drug Obildesivir (ODV) was previously found to have broad activity against various RNA viruses, including Ebola, if administered within 24 hours post-exposure. This recent study, published in Science Advances, highlights a new method where Obildesivir provided complete protection to rhesus monkeys exposed to a virulent strain of Ebola when administered through mucosal membranes.

In this study, five rhesus monkeys and five crab-eating macaques received daily doses of Obildesivir for 10 days, starting 24 hours after viral exposure. The results showed 100% protection against death in rhesus monkeys and 80% in macaques. Because the disease progressed more slowly with this administration method, researchers could analyze the drug’s mechanisms of action more effectively.

The findings revealed that treated monkeys exhibited increased expression of proteins that enhance T-cell activation, improving their immune response. Furthermore, these monkeys demonstrated improved anti-inflammatory responses and mitigated severe immune reactions.

These promising results support the potential of Obildesivir as an oral post-exposure preventive treatment for Ebola. The scientists noted, “These results suggest that Obildesivir treatment offers an opportunity to develop adaptive immunity while reducing excessive inflammation, which may prevent lethal outcomes.”

The research team aims to further understand how late-stage treatment with Obildesivir influences immune responses in the context of Ebola virus infection.

In summary, the discovery of the oral antiviral drug Obildesivir presents a significant advancement in the fight against the Ebola virus. With its ability to provide complete protection in animal models, this drug demonstrates potential as an effective oral treatment to combat future outbreaks. The findings enhance the understanding of immune responses influenced by the drug, positioning it as a hopeful candidate for post-exposure preventive measures against Ebola.

Original Source: www.jordannews.jo