Novel Antiviral—Griffithsin Derived from Algae—for Prophylaxis or Treatment of Rabies Infection
CDC tested a broad-spectrum antiviral from a protein found in red alga, Griffitshia sp., that offers a low-cost way to potentially prevent or treat infections from rabies virus. Researchers determined that Griffithsin (GRFT) neutralizes rabies virus (RABV) activity in vitro and in vivo. Currently, with the exception of RIG and another international monoclonal antibody-based product, no other antiviral compounds have approvals for prophylaxis or treatment of rabies infection.
In CDC experiments, 100% of hamsters treated initially with one dose of GRFT, in combination with four dose of rabies vaccine, survived when challenged with a high dose of rabies virus 28 days later. GRFT also has some effect against rabies virus when used alone and can potentially replace RIG for rabies post-exposure therapeutics.
Manufacturers have already recombined and mass-produced GRFT as a biological active compound in E. coli and tobacco plants which could make this an easy to manufacture and low-cost antiviral. Lastly, GRFT has high thermostability with a melting temperature of 80°C/176°F so it can remain stable if cold chain interruptions occur during transportation or storage. This characteristic makes it ideal for rural areas.
- Human or animal rabies antiviral / therapeutic
- Stabilizer of rabies vaccine and/or RIG at room temperature
- Substitute of rabies immune globulin (RIG) in post-exposure prophylaxis
- Post-exposure (before symptom onset) prophylactic drug either alone or in conjunction with rabies vaccine and/or RIG
- Vaccine research
- Broad spectrum antiviral activity
- May prevent rabies infection pre-exposure) and potentially may treat humans and animals post-exposure to rabies virus (e.g., if given shortly after potential rabies exposure)
- Cost-effective and easy to manufacture; already being manufactured and available
- Compound has improved thermal stability (only melts at high temperatures of 80°C/176°F) and does not require refrigeration.
- Experiments showed that 100% of hamsters treated initially with one dose of GRFT, in combination with four dose of rabies vaccine, survived when challenged with a high dose of rabies virus 28 days later