Efavirenz for Chikungunya: IIT Roorkee Drug Repurposing Study
Why in the news
Early research suggests efavirenz, an HIV/AIDS medicine, could be repurposed for chikungunya, which has no approved antiviral.
About chikungunya
- A mosquito-borne viral disease with fever and severe joint pain, spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
- Caused by an alphavirus of the family Togaviridae.
- Re-emerged in India in 2006 after 20-30 years; cases fell until 2014 and rose again from 2018.
Study findings
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Cell lines (Vero and human liver cells) | 99% lower replication; works up to 6-8 hours after infection |
| Mice | Viral load dropped; limbs swelled due to pro-inflammatory effect, yet spread was controlled |
| HIV patient (43 years) | Chikungunya symptoms improved, not credited to the drug alone |
- Liver cells were used because the virus affects hepatocytes.
- Efavirenz has good pharmacokinetics and proven safety in HIV care; clinical trials must confirm benefit in humans.
Exam angle
- Vectors: Aedes aegypti and albopictus; virus family: Togaviridae.