Oral antiviral blocks airborne measles transmission in animal study

An experimental oral antiviral, GHP-88310, has blocked airborne transmission of measles-like viruses in animal models, offering a potential new tool to control outbreaks. The unprecedented result was published in Nature Microbiology. The compound, tested in ferrets, prevented infection and transmission when given preventively or therapeutically, and shortened the contagious period by five days. It works by inhibiting the viral polymerase, and was designed to improve safety over a predecessor. Measles remains a major threat, with 11 million cases and 95,000 deaths in 2024, as global vaccination coverage lags at 84%. The researchers are preparing the drug for formal clinical trials.