Researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University and their collaborators are working to create what could be the first drug for crippling joint pain that follows infection with the new chikungunya virus that can continue for months or even years. Although researchers have tried to develop vaccines and drugs to fight the virus, none have been licensed so far. By the end of 2027, the compound could undergo its first human test as a result of the new research.
“We have the potential to develop an antiviral that could be used to treat millions of people during large Chikungunya outbreaks and prevent long-term illness in people who are persistently affected by this debilitating disease,” said Streblow, a professor at the Vaccine and Instituto of Gene Therapy. Streblow is leading the new research project in collaboration with Mark T. Heise PhD, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Richard Whitley, Maryland, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The research team also includes scientists from the University of Colorado at Denver, Southern Research in Alabama, and SRI Biosciences in California.
The mosquito species whose bites spread the virus live in warmer climates. The Chikungunya virus was first identified in Africa in 1952, but can now also be found in Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Americas and Europe. Climate change could expand its geographic range. Globally, more than 360,000 Chikungunya cases and 77 deaths have been identified so far this year, with the majority of cases occurring in Brazil, India and Guatemala. The virus began to spread in the United States in 2014; the spread was limited, and the U.S The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there have been 13 locally acquired cases in the U.S states since then. An initial attack of Chikungunya can cause fever, joint and muscle pain, rash, and other symptoms for a week or two. Young children, older adults, and people with high blood pressure or diabetes are at higher risk of serious illness or death. While most people make a full recovery, about 30 to 40 percent will experience persistent joint pain, known as chronic chikungunya arthritis, for months or even years. The resulting pain can be so disabling that some are unable to work.
Similar to COVID-19 Paxlovid, the experimental Chikungunya antiviral compound, is designed to reduce the total amount of virus, or viral load. Described as a small molecule inhibitor of 2-pyrimidone, the patent-pending compound works by binding to viral RNA polymerase through which viruses normally replicate. Streblow describes the compound as “a first in its class” because it targets a unique site on the viral RNA polymerase and has not been used before to treat humans. In earlier, unpublished research with mice, studies found that the experimental antiviral reduced Chikungunya viral loads by up to 1,000-fold and stopped joint symptoms long-term when given one to two weeks after infection. And when the compound was administered later, the research team also found that persistent viral loads, which are thought to cause long-term illness, were also reduced.
Now the research team is working to modify the chemistry of the antiviral compound into a pill that can be taken orally. The team plans to test the effectiveness and safety of the reformulated compound in more advanced animal models. The research team then aims to submit an investigational new drug application to the U.S Food and Drug Administration. If its application is approved, OHSU would lead a Phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of the experimental treatment in people for the first time. (AND ME)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
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