Post-exposure efficacy of oral T-705 (Favipiravir) against inhalational Ebola virus infection in a mouse model

Antiviral Res. 2014 Apr:104:153-5. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.01.012. Epub 2014 Jan 24.

Abstract

Filoviruses cause disease with high case fatality rates and are considered biological threat agents. Licensed post-exposure therapies that can be administered by the oral route are desired for safe and rapid distribution and uptake in the event of exposure or outbreaks. Favipiravir or T-705 has broad antiviral activity and has already undergone phase II and is undergoing phase III clinical trials for influenza. Here we report the first use of T-705 against Ebola virus. T-705 gave 100% protection against aerosol Ebola virus E718 infection; protection was shown in immune-deficient mice after 14 days of twice-daily dosing. T-705 was also shown to inhibit Ebola virus infection in cell culture. T-705 is likely to be licensed for use against influenza in the near future and could also be used with a new indication for filovirus infection.

Keywords: Aerosol; Bioterrorism; Broad-spectrum; Ebola; Favipiravir; Licensed.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Amides / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Ebolavirus / drug effects*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / drug therapy*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / mortality
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / virology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Pyrazines / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Amides
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Pyrazines
  • favipiravir