Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have discovered that Efavirenz, a drug used for treating HIV, may also work as a possible treatment for Chikungunya. This discovery was made through a study supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and has been published in a well-known scientific journal.
The study conducted by IIT Roorkee found that Efavirenz could reduce the replication of the Chikungunya virus both in lab-grown cells and in infected mice. This could be a big breakthrough since there is currently no approved antiviral drug specifically for Chikungunya.
Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by mosquito bites. It causes symptoms like fever, joint pain, muscle pain, and rashes. According to the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control, Chikungunya is a recurring health issue in India, with cases reported across several states every year.
The researchers tested Efavirenz on lab-grown cells infected with the Chikungunya virus. They found that the drug successfully reduced the amount of virus present. The drug was then tested on mice infected with the virus, and it showed similar positive results.
The study also discovered that Efavirenz can interfere with the replication of the Sindbis virus, which is related to Chikungunya. This suggests that Efavirenz may have a broader effect on similar mosquito-borne viruses.
Dr. Sanket Nehul, the first author of the study, said that these findings are significant because Efavirenz is already widely used for HIV treatment. This means that clinical trials could begin sooner, potentially reducing the time and cost needed to develop a new antiviral drug for Chikungunya.
"Since Efavirenz is already being used for HIV treatment, clinical trials can explore its potential for treating Chikungunya, which could speed up the drug approval process," Dr. Nehul stated.
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Professor Shailly Tomar, the senior author of the study, said that this discovery could lead to a major breakthrough in Chikungunya treatment. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans.
"Our study provides initial evidence that Efavirenz might work as an antiviral drug for Chikungunya," Prof. Tomar explained. "But clinical trials on patients are necessary to determine how well it works."
Professor Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, highlighted the importance of this discovery. He said that IIT Roorkee is committed to conducting research that addresses major public health issues.
"This study is a step toward finding solutions for mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya," Prof. Pant said.
The study also pointed out that Efavirenz could be an affordable option since it is already being manufactured for HIV treatment. This could make the drug more accessible to people in low-income countries where Chikungunya is a serious health issue.
The researchers also mentioned that the success of Efavirenz in reducing Sindbis virus replication indicates that it might help in treating other similar mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Zika. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Although the study results are promising, the researchers cautioned that the findings do not yet confirm Efavirenz as a guaranteed treatment for Chikungunya. They emphasized that additional clinical trials and safety tests will be necessary before the drug can be officially approved for Chikungunya treatment.
This discovery offers new hope for controlling Chikungunya, which has remained a serious health problem in India and other tropical regions. If clinical trials confirm its effectiveness, Efavirenz could become the first approved drug for treating Chikungunya, providing relief to thousands of people affected by the disease every year.
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