An experimental antiviral pill prevented a measles-like virus from spreading through the air and close contact in ferrets. Researchers at Georgia State University developed the oral antiviral. The treatment also reduced symptoms when administered shortly before or after exposure.
The findings were published in *Nature Microbiology*. Scientists at the Center for Translational Antiviral Research (CTAR) conducted the study. They focused on canine distemper virus, which causes a disease in ferrets similar to measles.
The drug candidate, GHP-88310, is a broad-spectrum inhibitor. It targets the viral polymerase, an enzyme essential for viral reproduction. The team investigated whether the drug could prevent transmission when used prophylactically. GHP-88310 successfully blocked both direct contact and airborne spread. The drug also shortened the period infected animals remained contagious.
Measles has reemerged in North America since 2025. Thousands of infections have occurred across several states. Hundreds of hospitalizations and three confirmed deaths have been reported. Canada and Mexico have also experienced outbreaks with multiple deaths. This raises concerns about maintaining measles elimination status.
The study modeled viral spread in conditions resembling households and classrooms. The drug's ability to prevent airborne transmission in the ferret model is unprecedented for a viral polymerase inhibitor. Researchers are now preparing GHP-88310 for formal clinical trials.
This research was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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