NV-387 boosts survival 170% vs remdesivir, ready for DRC Ebola deployment
NNVC•NanoViricides’ NV-387 increased survival by 8.5 days (170%) intravenously and 4.4 days (88%) orally versus 2 days (40%) for remdesivir in animal models and is deemed superior for Ebola Bundibugyo evaluation. The room-temperature-stable oral gummies dissolve naturally and are ready for shipment to DRC’s Phase II trial.
1. Outbreak Context
The Bundibugyo Ebola variant has caused over 900 suspected cases and 220 deaths across DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, triggering a WHO-declared public health emergency on May 16, 2026. Its rapid spread in a high-traffic region with 11 at-risk nations underscores urgent need for effective treatments.
2. NV-387 Mechanism and Preclinical Efficacy
NV-387 targets the viral attachment receptor heparan sulfate proteoglycan, a feature common to 90–95% of human pathogenic viruses, preventing escape mutations. In uniformly lethal animal models, NV-387 IV extended survival by 8.5 days (170%) and NV-387 PO by 4.4 days (88%), compared with a 2-day (40%) improvement from remdesivir IV.
3. Oral Formulation and Logistics
The NV-387 oral gummies are stable at room temperature, dissolve naturally without swallowing, and require no infusions, simplifying distribution and administration, especially in resource-limited settings. This formulation is manufactured and staged for immediate shipment to the DRC for Phase II trials and emergency use if efficacy is confirmed.
4. Competitive Landscape and Potential Impact
Current Ebola treatments like monoclonal antibodies require infusions and target only the Zaire strain, leaving Bundibugyo and other filoviruses untreated. NV-387’s broad-spectrum activity against all ebolaviruses could transform pandemic preparedness and fill critical gaps in filovirus therapy.
