NanoViricides, Inc. has identified its drug candidate NV-387 as a potential therapeutic solution to address the increasing measles outbreaks occurring across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Measles cases in the United States reached a record 1,319 in 2025, while Canada reported over 3,800 cases, creating an urgent need for effective treatments. The World Health Organization noted a significant surge in Europe, with 127,350 cases in 2024, representing the highest incidence since 1997.
The company's announcement coincides with a period where vaccination rates face challenges due to hesitancy and immune dysfunction, leaving a gap in the public health response to measles. NV-387 has demonstrated effectiveness and safety in animal studies and completed a Phase I clinical trial without reported adverse events, positioning it as a promising candidate. NanoViricides suggests that NV-387 may qualify for Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from regulatory agencies, which could accelerate its approval process and provide seven years of market exclusivity upon approval.
Currently, no approved drug exists specifically for the treatment of measles, making the development of NV-387 particularly significant. The drug's broad-spectrum antiviral capabilities, initially targeted at respiratory viral infections such as RSV, COVID-19, and influenza, now extend to measles, demonstrating its versatility. For more information on the company's approach to antiviral therapy, visit https://www.NanoViricides.com.
The rise in measles cases underscores the critical need for effective therapeutic options beyond vaccination alone. NV-387's potential to address this unmet medical need represents a notable advancement in public health efforts to manage and mitigate measles outbreaks. As NanoViricides advances NV-387 into Phase II clinical trials, the medical and public health communities are monitoring its progress, anticipating a potential new tool in the ongoing global effort to combat measles.
