Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have made a significant discovery that could lead to a potential treatment for Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, and rashes. According to IIT Roorkee, a drug commonly used for HIV treatment, Efavirenz, has shown promising results in reducing the replication of the Chikungunya virus in both laboratory tests and mice models. The study, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), suggests that Efavirenz could be repurposed as an antiviral therapy for Chikungunya.
How Efavirenz Works Against ChikungunyaThe research found that Efavirenz effectively reduced the levels of the Chikungunya virus in infected lab-grown cells and mice. This discovery is particularly crucial because there is currently no approved antiviral treatment for Chikungunya, meaning patients rely solely on managing symptoms like fever and joint pain. The study also found that Efavirenz also affected the replication of the Sindbis virus, a virus closely related to Chikungunya.
This suggests that the drug might have broader antiviral properties. Experts Take On The FindingsDr Sanket Nehul, the first author of the study, explained that Efavirenz appears to interfere with the Chikungunya virus early in its replication process. "Since this drug is already widely used for HIV treatment, further clinical trials can explore its potential for Chikungunya.
This could help speed up the proce.