PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/ ROORKEE
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee stated that they have found after a prolonged research that Efavirenz, a drug widely used for HIV treatment, might also serve as an effective therapy for Chikungunya, adding that it has been shown to reduce Chikungunya virus replication both in vitro and in mouse models. Notably, Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever, joint pain, muscle pain and rash. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has supported the conclusion of the institute’s research.
Chikungunya cases are reported across multiple states each year with no approved antiviral treatment specifically for Chikungunya existing. The research has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
The first author of the study, Sanket Nehul said: “Our findings suggest that Efavirenz can interfere with the 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 treatment, reducing the time and cost required for developing new antiviral drugs,”
The director of IIT Roorkee, Kamal Kishore Pant said that his institution was committed to research that could address public health challenges. “This study is a step toward finding possible solutions for mosquito-borne viral infections,” he added.
