NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE American: NNVC) has announced that its antiviral drug candidate NV-387 could potentially serve as a treatment for measles amid a rising global outbreak. The company cited recent case surges, including more than 18,000 suspected infections in Bangladesh and increasing cases in the United States, underscoring the urgent need for therapeutic options.
NV-387 has demonstrated safety in Phase I clinical trials and efficacy in animal models, positioning it as a potential therapeutic complement to vaccination. The company believes NV-387 could reduce transmission and treat infected patients, particularly among vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals who may not be eligible for vaccination.
NanoViricides plans to pursue orphan drug designation and rare pediatric disease designation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for NV-387 as a measles treatment. These designations could provide incentives such as tax credits, fee waivers, and market exclusivity upon approval.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications and death. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, global vaccination rates have declined in recent years, leading to outbreaks in various regions. The World Health Organization reported a 79% increase in global measles cases in 2023 compared to 2022.
NV-387 is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug that NanoViricides is developing for multiple indications, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, Long COVID, influenza, and other respiratory viral infections. The drug has also shown effectiveness in animal models for monkeypox (MPox), smallpox, and measles.
The company's lead drug candidate has successfully completed a Phase I human clinical trial in healthy volunteers with no reported adverse events. NanoViricides is now focused on advancing NV-387 into Phase II human clinical trials.
For more information, visit NanoViricides' website and see the full press release here.
