Experimental Drug Completely Effective Against Nipah Virus in Monkey Study

The experimental antiviral drug remdesivir was 100% effective in protecting four African green monkeys when first given 24 hours after they received a lethal dose of Nipah virus, according to NIAID researchers and colleagues. Nipah virus is an emerging pathogen found primarily in Bangladesh and India. First identified in 1999 in Malaysia, the virus is spread by fruit bats; person-to-person transmission also occurs. Nipah virus can cause respiratory and neurological disease that has about a 70% fatality rate. An outbreak in May 2018 in India resulted in 23 cases and 21 deaths. The scientists next plan to try and determine how long after a lethal dose of Nipah virus remdesivir treatment can provide protection.