Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have discovered a new potential treatment for chikungunya. Efavirenz, a commonly used HIV medicine, has shown promise in lowering chikungunya viral replication.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have uncovered a novel therapeutic cure for Chinkungunya, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. According to the researchers, Efavirenz, a commonly used HIV medicine, has the ability to reduce chikungunya virus multiplication in laboratory tests and mouse models.
“Our findings indicate that Efavirenz can interfere with the virus early in its reproduction phase. Because this medicine is already widely used for HIV treatment, future clinical studies can investigate its potential for Chikungunya treatment, minimizing the time and money required to create new antiviral treatments,” said Dr. Sanket Nehul, the study’s first author.
Prof. Shailly Tomar, the study’s corresponding author, highlighted the significance of these findings, particularly the lack of an approved antiviral treatment for chikungunya.
Prof Tomar continued, “At the moment, people afflicted with Chikungunya rely on symptom management because there is no specific antiviral medication. Our findings give preliminary scientific evidence that Efavirenz may be an antiviral medication for chikungunya treatment. However, clinical trials will be required to determine its efficacy in chikungunya patients.
The study team at IIT Roorkee, led by the Institute’s Director, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, stated that the institution is devoted to conducting research that addresses public health concerns. “This study is a critical step in finding possible solutions for mosquito-borne viral infections that affect millions of people globally,” the researcher said. The findings have been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. However, IIT Roorkee maintained that the findings did not support Efavirenz as a treatment for chikungunya.
Further studies and clinical trials will be required, as well as additional research, to confirm its safety and efficacy in patients suffering from this severe disease.
About Efavirenz
Efavirenz is used in combination with other drugs to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It works by lowering the levels of HIV in the blood. Although efavirenz does not cure HIV, it may reduce your risk of getting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other HIV-related disorders such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications, together with engaging in safer sex and making other lifestyle changes, may reduce the chance of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to others.
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