New Antiviral Pill Blocks Measles-Like Virus Spread

Researchers at the Center for Translational Antiviral Research (CTAR) at Georgia State University have developed an experimental antiviral pill, GHP-88310, which successfully blocked the spread of a measles-like virus in ferrets infected with canine distemper virus. The study demonstrated that the oral drug prevented transmission through direct contact and airborne routes when administered shortly before or after exposure.

It also reduced the severity of illness and the duration of contagiousness in infected animals. Senior author Professor Richard Plemper emphasized the importance of rapidly containing measles outbreaks, while lead author Dr.

Carolin Lieber noted the unprecedented nature of the findings for antiviral drugs. The research comes amid a resurgence of measles in North America, attributed to declining vaccination rates.

While vaccines remain the primary defense, the researchers believe GHP-88310 could serve as an additional protective measure. They are preparing the drug for clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy in humans.