Researchers at Georgia State University have identified a new antiviral drug candidate, GHP-88310, which shows promise in treating measles, croup, and other related viral diseases. The drug is described as the most potent inhibitor of the orthoparamyxovirus family encountered in years of research.
Currently, there are no federally approved antiviral drugs for measles beyond symptom management, and croup is typically treated with steroids. GHP-88310 is taken orally once daily and has been well tolerated in animal studies at high concentrations. It works by protecting against viruses that evade the immune system, a challenge also seen with COVID-19.
The drug's high potency and excellent tolerability provide a wide safety margin, essential for treating vulnerable groups such as children and immunocompromised patients, who account for most measles and croup cases. Around 3% of U.S. children contract croup annually, and most of this year's nearly 2,000 measles cases are in those under 19.
The research initially targeted parainfluenza virus type 3, which causes croup and pneumonia in infants and has no available vaccines or therapies. Falling vaccination rates have contributed to a resurgence of measles, which was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Experts stress that 95% vaccination coverage is needed for herd immunity, but current U.S. rates are below 90%.
