Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed an antiviral pill that could potentially cure Ebola, as reported in a study published in Science Advances.
This breakthrough holds the promise of paving the way for new treatments in humans.
Ebola and the challenges in treatment
Ebola, first identified in 1976, is a deadly viral disease that spreads through contact with bodily fluids, causing severe bleeding and organ failure.
Despite the availability of a vaccine since 2019 and intravenous antibody treatments, current options are costly and challenging to administer, especially in the poorer regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where outbreaks are more common.
Thomas Geisbert, virologist and study leader, explained in an interview with AFP that the goal is to find more practical and accessible alternatives to prevent and control future outbreaks.
Obeldesivir: a broad-spectrum antiviral
The study evaluated the effectiveness of the antiviral obeldesivir, the oral version of remdesivir originally developed for Covid-19. In the experiment, scientists infected rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys with a high dose of the Makona variant of Ebola. The results were remarkable:
- Survival rate: Obeldesivir protected 80% of cynomolgus monkeys and 100% of rhesus monkeys, which are biologically closer to humans.
- Immunological effects: The antiviral not only cleared the virus from the blood but also triggered an immune response, helping the monkeys develop antibodies.
According to Geisbert, the limited number of monkeys used does not compromise the relevance of the study, as they were exposed to an extremely high virus dose, 30,000 times more lethal to humans.
Advantages of the Ebola-curing pill over other treatments
Unlike approved antibody treatments, which are specific to the Zaire species of Ebola, obeldesivir offers broad-spectrum protection.
Furthermore, its oral format makes it easier to administer, reducing costs and logistical complications, especially in environments where access to medical infrastructure is limited.
Towards new treatments for humans
Although the study is in its early stages, the findings represent a significant step in the development of more accessible and effective therapeutic options against Ebola.
This advancement could mark the beginning of a new era in managing epidemic outbreaks and significantly contribute to the global fight against this disease.
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