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New Drug Candidate Targets Measles and Croup
25 May
Summary
- A new antiviral drug candidate shows promise for measles and croup.
- The drug, GHP-88310, is taken orally and well tolerated in animals.
- It protects against viruses that evade the immune system's defenses.
Georgia State University researchers have identified a novel drug candidate, GHP-88310, showing significant promise in combating measles, croup, and other orthoparamyxovirus infections. These viral diseases cause severe respiratory illnesses, particularly in children and immunocompromised individuals. The drug, administered orally once daily, has demonstrated excellent tolerability and a wide safety margin in extensive animal testing.
Currently, treatments for croup involve steroids, and measles is preventable through vaccination. However, there are no federally approved antiviral drugs specifically for measles. GHP-88310's development initially targeted parainfluenza virus type 3, which lacks existing therapies and can lead to severe infant respiratory issues. The drug's ability to protect against immune system evasion is a key feature, addressing challenges seen with other viruses.
With declining vaccination rates contributing to measles resurgence, the need for effective treatments is critical. This drug offers a potential new avenue for vulnerable populations, including the majority of croup and measles cases seen in children and the immunocompromised. Experts emphasize the need for high vaccination coverage to maintain herd immunity against measles.
