Small-molecule polymerase inhibitor protects non-human primates from measles and reduces shedding

Kevin Wittwer, Danielle E. Anderson, Kristin Pfeffermann, Robert M. Cox, Josef D. Wolf, Sabine Santibanez, Annette Mankertz, Roland Plesker, Zachary M. Sticher, Alexander A. Kolkykhalov, Michael G. Natchus, Christian K. Pfaller (), Richard K. Plemper () and Veronika von Messling
Additional contact information
Kevin Wittwer: Paul-Ehrlich-Institute
Danielle E. Anderson: Duke-NUS Medical School
Kristin Pfeffermann: Paul-Ehrlich-Institute
Robert M. Cox: Georgia State University
Josef D. Wolf: Georgia State University
Sabine Santibanez: Robert Koch-Institute
Annette Mankertz: Robert Koch-Institute
Roland Plesker: Paul-Ehrlich-Institute
Zachary M. Sticher: Emory University
Alexander A. Kolkykhalov: Emory University
Michael G. Natchus: Emory University
Christian K. Pfaller: Paul-Ehrlich-Institute
Richard K. Plemper: Georgia State University
Veronika von Messling: Paul-Ehrlich-Institute

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Measles virus (MeV) is a highly contagious pathogen that enters the human host via the respiratory route. Besides acute pathologies including fever, cough and the characteristic measles rash, the infection of lymphocytes leads to substantial immunosuppression that can exacerbate the outcome of infections with additional pathogens. Despite the availability of effective vaccine prophylaxis, measles outbreaks continue to occur worldwide. We demonstrate that prophylactic and post-exposure therapeutic treatment with an orally bioavailable small-molecule polymerase inhibitor, ERDRP-0519, prevents measles disease in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Treatment initiation at the onset of clinical signs reduced virus shedding, which may support outbreak control. Results show that this clinical candidate has the potential to alleviate clinical measles and augment measles virus eradication.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25497-4

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