Oral Antiviral Blocks Measles-Like Virus Transmission in Ferrets
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed an oral antiviral drug, GHP-88310, that successfully blocked the transmission of a measles-like virus in ferrets. This development offers a potential new tool to combat rising measles outbreaks caused by declining vaccination rates.
Why it matters
It represents a significant medical advancement in viral containment that could supplement traditional vaccination efforts.
This year, the United States has recorded the highest number of measles cases since 2000, the year that the disease was declared eliminated from the country. As of mid-July, 2,260 measles cases were reported—just 29 cases less than the entire year of 2025. And outbreaks are widespread, with 34 new outbreaks reported in 2026.
The reason for this surge in cases is waning vaccination rates across the country. Given that, the production of new antivirals is an urgent matter.
Now, the new oral antiviral drug candidate GHP-88310 has shown promising results in a ferret model of infection. When administered before or after direct contact or airborne exposure to canine distemper virus (which causes measles-like disease in ferrets) GHP-88310 blocked transmission of the virus and reduced clinical symptoms in ferrets.
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