NanoViricides (NYSE-A:NNVC) said on Monday its experimental antiviral drug NV-387 showed strong activity against the Measles virus in a humanized animal model, adding that it could be made available for emergency use as outbreaks spread across the US.
The Connecticut-based company said NV-387 increased survival in Measles-infected animals by 130% compared with untreated ones, with no observed signs of toxicity.
The drug has completed a Phase I clinical trial in healthy volunteers with no reported adverse events, NanoViricides said.
“NV-387 can be used right away for emergency use in Measles cases,” said consulting scientist Krishna Menon, adding that the drug showed “excellent activity and safety” in preclinical studies.
The company said it intends to support physician-initiated applications for emergency use of NV-387 under US Food and Drug Administration regulations.
"We have already developed an effective drug to respond to the Measles virus outbreaks spreading all across the country," said NanoViricides president Anil Diwan.
NanoViricides said the drug is manufactured under good manufacturing practices (GMP) in the US and is available as oral gummies that dissolve slowly in the mouth, an option designed to help patients who may have difficulty swallowing.
The company added that NV-387 is a broad-spectrum antiviral being developed to treat several respiratory viral infections, including RSV, influenza, coronaviruses, and smallpox.