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GALVESTON, TX – A groundbreaking study has shown that an oral antiviral drug, Obeldesivir, has successfully cured monkeys infected with a lethal dose of the Ebola virus, sparking hopes for a more accessible and affordable treatment for humans. The research, published in Science Advances, marks a significant step forward in combating a disease that has plagued sub-Saharan Africa for decades.
Ebola, a highly contagious and deadly viral disease, is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, leading to severe bleeding and organ failure. Historically, the development of effective treatments has been hindered by the sporadic nature of outbreaks and a lack of financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies.
However, a team led by virologist Thomas Geisbert at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has demonstrated the efficacy of Obeldesivir, the oral form of Remdesivir, in treating Ebola. The drug, a polymerase inhibitor, works by blocking the enzyme crucial for viral replication.
In the study, rhesus and cynomolgus macaques were infected with a high dose of the Makona variant of the Ebola virus. Ten infected monkeys received daily doses of Obeldesivir for ten days, while three control monkeys received no treatment and subsequently died.
The results were remarkable: Obeldesivir protected 80 percent of the cynomolgus macaques and 100 percent of the rhesus macaques, which are biologically closer to humans. Not only did the drug clear the virus from the monkeys’ blood, but it also triggered an immune response, enabling them to develop antibodies while avoiding organ damage.
Geisbert emphasized the significance of the study, noting that the monkeys were exposed to an exceptionally high viral dose, approximately 30,000 times the lethal dose for humans. This allowed for statistically powerful results with a smaller number of test subjects, minimizing animal deaths.
One of the most promising aspects of Obeldesivir is its “broad-spectrum” protection, unlike existing antibody treatments that only target the Zaire species of Ebola. This broad protection could prove invaluable in future outbreaks.
Pharmaceutical company Gilead is currently advancing Obeldesivir to Phase 2 clinical trials for the Marburg virus, a close relative of Ebola. The success of these trials could pave the way for human trials for Ebola treatment.
Geisbert also highlighted the crucial role of funding from the US National Institutes of Health in developing treatments for Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases. He expressed concern over reports of grant cancellations, stressing the importance of continued investment in this area.
“All these drugs and vaccines that were developed against Ebola and a lot of these exotic viruses and pathogens—90 percent of the money comes from the US government,” he said. “I think the general public would agree we need treatments for Ebola.”
Disclaimer: While this study shows promising results in non-human primates, it is important to note that results in animal models do not always translate directly to humans. Further clinical trials are necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of Obeldesivir in treating Ebola in humans. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare1 professional for any health concerns.
