A Chinese-developed oral antiviral medication has demonstrated significant potential in combating the Nipah virus, according to a study published this month in Emerging Microbes & Infections. The drug, VV116, previously approved for COVID-19 treatment in the Chinese mainland and Uzbekistan, showed strong inhibitory effects against both major Nipah virus strains in laboratory tests and improved survival rates in animal trials.
Urgency Amid Expanding Outbreaks
The research comes as West Bengal grapples with a January 2026 Nipah outbreak that has prompted mass quarantines. This follows a pattern of increasing frequency across South Asia since 2023, with the World Health Organization labeling the virus a top-priority regional threat due to its 40-70% fatality rate and lack of approved treatments.
Mechanism and Results
Developed through collaboration between the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, and Vigonvita Life Sciences, VV116 targets the Nipah virus' RNA replication machinery. In golden hamster trials, a 400mg/kg dose achieved 66.7% survival rates and reduced viral loads in critical organs by up to 99% compared to untreated subjects.
Path to Implementation
Researchers highlight the drug's existing regulatory approvals as a potential accelerator for human trials. "VV116 could serve dual purposes as both treatment and preventive measure for high-risk groups," noted lead author Dr. Zhang Wei in the published paper. Health authorities are monitoring the West Bengal situation closely as global interest grows in this therapeutic candidate.
