Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Helen Branswell
Published on 2024-03-14 18:00:21
A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has shown promising results for the antiviral drug obeldesivir in treating Ebola Sudan infections. This particular strain of Ebola currently lacks approved vaccines or treatments, making the discovery of an effective therapy crucial.
In the study, the researchers tested obeldesivir, manufactured by Gilead, in primates infected with Sudan ebolavirus. Treatment was initiated 24 hours after the animals were given a potentially lethal dose of the virus via intramuscular injection. Remarkably, all five monkeys that received the drug survived, while two control animals given a placebo succumbed to the disease.
One of the key advantages of obeldesivir is its oral administration, with a regimen of one pill daily for 10 days used in the study. If proven effective in humans and approved for use, it would be the first orally administered treatment for any type of Ebola virus. Current approved treatments for Ebola Zaire involve monoclonal antibodies, which are costly, require cold storage, and must be administered intravenously.
Microbiologist Tom Geisbert, the senior author of the study published in Science, highlighted the potential impact of obeldesivir in controlling Ebola outbreaks more efficiently. The drug’s oral formulation, room temperature storage, relative affordability, and broad susceptibility to multiple filoviruses make it a promising candidate for further development.
Experts like Armand Sprecher from Doctors Without Borders also acknowledge the possible game-changing impact of obeldesivir on Ebola responses. The drug’s versatility against various strains of Ebola and related viruses like Marburg could provide a much-needed pan-ebolavirus therapy, addressing a significant gap in the current treatment landscape.
While the study results are encouraging, further research in animal models and eventually human trials will be necessary to validate the drug’s efficacy and safety. The sporadic nature of Ebola Sudan outbreaks poses challenges for testing and validating treatments, given the infrequency of cases compared to the more common Ebola Zaire strain.
Gilead, the manufacturer of obeldesivir, expressed optimism about the research findings and potential partnerships to advance the drug’s development for neglected viruses like Ebola Sudan. The company’s involvement in the study, alongside funding from the National Institutes of Health, underscores the collaborative effort to address unmet medical needs in filovirus infections.
Despite obeldesivir’s initial exploration as a therapy for Covid-19, the drug’s broad antiviral activity and potential for treating other viral infections remain compelling. CEO Daniel O’Day emphasized the importance of equipping the world with effective antiviral treatments, especially in light of evolving viral threats that require innovative solutions like obeldesivir.
Obeldesivir’s lineage from remdesivir, a previous Ebola treatment candidate, further underscores its potential in preventing disease progression among individuals exposed to Ebola viruses. By intervening early in the infection process, the drug could disrupt the virus’s replication and spread, offering a new strategy to mitigate outbreaks and reduce transmission rates within communities.
The combination of obeldesivir with existing Ebola vaccines could herald a new era in outbreak response, enabling a proactive approach to target individuals at risk of infection and contain viral spread more effectively. This comprehensive strategy, leveraging both vaccination and antiviral therapy, holds promise in transforming the dynamics of filovirus outbreaks and enhancing public health preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.
