A recent study revealed that there is a new experimental drug that can fight the deadly Ebola virus in monkeys. The new drug can allegedly protect the animals from lethal infections, and may potentially be the answer to humans getting affected.
Researchers stated in the journal Science Translational Medicine that the discovery may lead to the creation of a cure that will offer widespread protection against the Ebola virus, which is prevalent in places like Africa. Compared to vaccines, which offer prevention and protection before the Ebola virus is acquired, the new Ebola drug mixture may treat people who are already affected with the lethal Ebola virus.
In 2014, ZMapp, the experimental drug, was developed by researchers and given to a number of Ebola virus patients. There were three unique antibodies included in the therapy, consisting of molecules that bind to foreign proteins. During initial studies of ZMapp, 18 monkeys with the Kikwit strain of Ebola were successfully treated. The test also showed that all of the monkeys recovered and did not present any long-lasting effects.
At present, experts developed the new drug cocktail called MIL77E from only two of the three antibodies from ZMapp, and it appears to be at least as potent as the experimental drug. ZMapp was developed using a close member of the tobacco family, while MIL77E was made using modified Chinese hamster ovary cells. The scientists further adjusted some parts of each antibody to become more similar to human antibodies. The simpler mixture may reduce costs, be easier to produce, enhance safety and boost regulatory approval.
"Bringing the cocktail down to two antibodies is very good news. It'll be easier to produce and save a lot on the costs,” said study co-author Gary Kobinger, an immunologist, virologist and director of the Infectious Disease Research Center at Laval University in Quebec City.
Three monkeys with the Makona strain of the Ebola virus were given MIL77E. Two managed to survive. Kobinger stated that adding an antibody against Sudan Ebola virus to the recently created mixture can result to a cocktail with three antibodies that can fight most Ebola virus cases in Africa.
Kobinger told Live Science that the new discovery can lead to cocktails that have broader potency and minimize the risk of resistant mutant viruses escaping.
