Chinese COVID Drug VV116 Shows Promise Against Deadly Nipah Virus

• A new study reveals that VV116, an oral antiviral drug originally for COVID-19, could effectively treat Nipah virus infections.
• Researchers from Wuhan Institute of Virology found VV116 prevented Nipah virus strains in labs and improved survival rates in animal trials.
• The drug significantly reduced viral load in key organs like lungs, spleen, and brain in golden hamsters, increasing their survival to 66.7%.
• VV116 showed strong antiviral activity against both Malaysia and Bangladesh strains of Nipah, with Bangladeshi strains linked to Indian outbreaks.
• With no current vaccine or cure for Nipah, VV116 offers potential as a preventive treatment for high-risk groups and a readily available option for outbreaks.

Why It Matters: An existing Chinese COVID-19 drug, VV116, shows significant promise as a treatment for the deadly Nipah virus.