New antiviral pill could break the chain of measles transmission

Scientists at Georgia State University tested the oral drug GHP-88310 in ferrets with canine distemper virus, which causes a measles-like disease. The drug completely prevented virus transmission through direct contact and airborne routes, and reduced symptoms and infectious period in infected animals. The study was published in Nature Microbiology, and clinical trials are being prepared.

• GHP-88310 fully prevented airborne transmission in ferret model
• Drug targets viral polymerase and acts against broad range of viruses
• Infected animals had shorter illness and infectious period
• Study funded by NIAID; clinical trials being prepared