NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE American: NNVC), a clinical-stage antiviral drug developer, announced that its broad-spectrum antiviral candidate NV-387 warrants evaluation as a potential treatment option for the rapidly expanding Bundibugyo strain Ebola outbreak in Africa. The company cited the absence of approved vaccines or therapies specifically targeting the virus strain, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions.
NV-387’s host-targeted antiviral mechanism and oral formulation could offer potential advantages in outbreak settings where treatment delivery and healthcare worker safety are critical. Unlike traditional antivirals that target viral proteins, NV-387 acts on host cells, potentially reducing the risk of resistance and broadening its activity against multiple viruses. The drug is already being prepared for a Phase II clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo for mpox, which could support near-term regional availability if found effective against Ebola.
NanoViricides is a clinical stage company creating special purpose nanomaterials for antiviral therapy. Its novel nanoviricide class of drug candidates and technology are based on intellectual property from TheraCour Pharma, Inc. The company has a Memorandum of Understanding with TheraCour for developing drugs for all antiviral infections, excluding cancer and similar diseases. NanoViricides holds broad, exclusive, sub-licensable field licenses for drugs in several licensed fields.
The lead drug candidate NV-387 is being developed as a treatment for RSV, COVID, Long COVID, Influenza, and other respiratory viral infections, as well as MPOX/Smallpox infections and Measles. Another advanced candidate, NV-HHV-1, is for the treatment of Shingles. The company is currently focused on advancing NV-387 into Phase II human clinical trials.
NV-CoV-2 (API NV-387) is the company's nanoviricide drug candidate for COVID-19 that does not encapsulate remdesivir. NV-CoV-2-R is another candidate that encapsulates remdesivir within its polymeric micelles. The company believes that since remdesivir is already FDA approved, NV-CoV-2-R could be an approvable drug if safety is comparable. Both candidates were developed independently by NanoViricides.
NanoViricides is also developing drugs against a range of viral diseases, including oral and genital herpes, viral eye diseases, H1N1 swine flu, H5N1 bird flu, seasonal influenza, HIV, Hepatitis C, Rabies, Dengue fever, and Ebola virus. Its platform technology and programs are based on TheraCour nanomedicine technology, licensed from TheraCour, which holds a license from AllExcel. NanoViricides holds a worldwide exclusive perpetual license for several drugs targeting specific human viral diseases.
The announcement of NV-387’s potential for the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak underscores the importance of broad-spectrum antivirals in pandemic preparedness. With no approved vaccines or therapies for this strain, NV-387 could fill a critical gap. Its oral formulation and host-targeted mechanism may enable rapid deployment and reduce transmission risks for healthcare workers. If successful in upcoming trials, NV-387 could become a valuable tool in controlling future outbreaks.
