Researchers identify compound to prevent growth of Ebola virus
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According to a recent study published, an experimental compound has been successfully used on rhesus monkeys in the initial trial phase by a team of US researchers. The compound has the ability to block the Ebola virus to replicate in the body- successfully preventing rhesus monkeys from succumbing to it.
These encouraging preclinical results suggest the compound, known as GS-5734, should be further developed as a potential treatment.
In animal studies, treatment initiated on day 3 post-infection with Ebola virus resulted in 100 percent survival of the monkeys. They also exhibited a substantial reduction in viral load and a marked decrease in the physical signs of disease, including internal bleeding and tissue damage.
Principal investigator Travis Warren of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) said that the compound, which is a novel nucleotide analog prodrug, works by blocking the viral RNA replication process, adding "if the virus can't make copies of itself, the body's immune system has time to take over and fight off the infection."
These encouraging preclinical results suggest the compound, known as GS-5734, should be further developed as a potential treatment.
In animal studies, treatment initiated on day 3 post-infection with Ebola virus resulted in 100 percent survival of the monkeys. They also exhibited a substantial reduction in viral load and a marked decrease in the physical signs of disease, including internal bleeding and tissue damage.
Principal investigator Travis Warren of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) said that the compound, which is a novel nucleotide analog prodrug, works by blocking the viral RNA replication process, adding "if the virus can't make copies of itself, the body's immune system has time to take over and fight off the infection."
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