NanoViricides Advances Measles Drug Development with New Animal Trial

NanoViricides is advancing its measles drug development program with a new animal trial to evaluate its antiviral candidate NV-387. The study will use modified mice to assess the candidate's efficacy against the measles virus. NV-387 is a broad-spectrum antiviral designed to mimic human cell surfaces and neutralize viruses, including measles. There is currently no approved antiviral treatment for measles, and the ongoing spread of the disease highlights the need for therapeutic alternatives.

NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE Amer.: NNVC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced the commencement of an animal trial to evaluate its antiviral drug candidate NV-387 for the treatment of measles. The trial, which is set to commence as soon as specially modified mice arrive and are acclimatized at the animal study laboratory, aims to assess the efficacy of NV-387 in a lethal animal infection model [1].

NV-387 is a broad-spectrum antiviral designed to mimic human cell surfaces and neutralize viruses, including measles. The drug candidate is based on host-mimetic nanomedicine technology that viruses cannot escape. The study will utilize mice bearing the human form of CD150/SLAM protein, which the measles virus requires to enter cells. The trial is a significant step forward in the company's Measles drug development program, as there is currently no approved antiviral treatment for measles [1].

The ongoing spread of measles underscores the need for therapeutic alternatives. According to the CDC, measles cases in the US reached a record 1,088 confirmed cases across 33 jurisdictions from January 1 through May 29, 2025. Europe has also witnessed a dramatic ten-fold increase in measles cases in 2024 compared to 2023. The decline in measles vaccination rates, particularly in the USA, due to the COVID pandemic, has exacerbated the situation [1].

The animal study of NV-387's effectiveness in h-SLAM-modified mice will provide crucial information regarding its potential human effectiveness in treating measles virus infection. If successful, NV-387 could rapidly be developed to meet the unmet need for a measles drug [1].

NanoViricides, Inc. is a publicly traded company focused on developing special-purpose nanomaterials for antiviral therapy. The company's lead drug candidate, NV-387, is currently in Phase II human clinical trials and is designed to treat a range of viral infections, including RSV, COVID, influenza, and MPOX/Smallpox infections [1].

The company's business model is based on licensing technology from TheraCour Pharma, Inc. for specific application verticals of specific viruses. NanoViricides holds a worldwide exclusive perpetual license to the TheraCour® nanomedicine technology for several drugs with specific targeting mechanisms in perpetuity [1].

References:
[1] https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/nanoviricides-measles-drug-development-animal-study-is-imminent