Nature and is the result of a continuing collaboration between Army scientists and industry partners. In addition to Marbug virus, the drug known as BCX4430 from BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc., showed promise against a broad range of other RNA viruses, including the emerging viral pathogen Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), when tested in cell culture.
In the article “Protection against filovirus diseases by a novel broad-spectrum nucleoside analog BCX4430,” the research revealed BCX4430 protected cynomolgous macaques (a nonhuman primate) from Marburg virus infection when administered by injection up to 48 hours post-infection.

Also, the drug protected exposed guinea pigs from Marburg virus by the inhalation route.

The paper’s findings demonstrated how the drug interfered with the internal “machinery” of Marburg virus, preventing it from replicating its genetic material. Additional studies look to see whether that 48-hour therapeutic window can be extended.
With funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), BioCryst plans to file investigational new drug (IND) applications for intravenous and intramuscular BCX4430 for the treatment of Marburg virus disease, as well as conducting Phase 1 human clinical trials.