A team of sccientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have identified Efavirenz as a potential drug for treating Chikungunya. Efavirenz is a drug commonly used in HIV treatment. The study suggests that the drug may also be effective in reducing the replication of the Chikungunya virus. The study has been supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that leads to fever, joint pain, muscle aches, and rash. According to the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control, Chikungunya remains a persistent public health concern in India, with cases reported annually across multiple states. At present, there is no approved antiviral treatment specifically targeting the disease.
The study at IIT Roorkee demonstrated that Efavirenz significantly lowered virus levels in both lab-grown cell cultures and infected mice models. It was also found that Efavirenz affects the replication of the Sindbis virus, which is closely related to Chikungunya. Dr Sanket Nehul, the study’s first author, explained that the drug appears to interfere with the virus early in its replication process. He noted that since Efavirenz is already in widespread use for HIV treatment, further clinical trials could investigate its potential for treating Chikungunya, potentially reducing the time and costs required for developing a new antiviral drug.
Prof Shailly Tomar, the study’s corresponding author, emphasised that individuals infected with Chikungunya currently rely on symptom management, as no specific antiviral treatment is available. He stated that while the findings offer promising scientific evidence, clinical trials will be essential to determine the drug’s effectiveness in Chikungunya patients.
Prof Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to research aimed at addressing public health challenges. He described the study as a step towards finding possible solutions for mosquito-borne viral infections.
However, the scientists stressed that the findings do not confirm Efavirenz as a definitive treatment for Chikungunya. Further studies and clinical trials will be required to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in patients.
