Texas A&M And University Of Minnesota Researchers Receive $3.8M To Develop New Mpox Treatment
January 22, 2025
Researchers from Texas A&M and the University of Minnesota have received a $3.8 million NIH grant to develop new antiviral treatments for mpox, which continues to devastate parts of Central and Eastern Africa despite a global decline in cases. The project will evaluate three promising compounds, optimizing their efficacy and safety to address gaps in current smallpox-based treatments, which are largely ineffective against mpox. Mpox, particularly Clade I, has shown increased transmissibility and higher fatality rates, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative solutions. This research not only targets immediate threats but also strengthens preparedness against future orthopoxvirus outbreaks.
Researchers from Texas A&M University and the University of Minnesota have launched a pivotal project, supported by a $3.8 million NIH grant, to develop targeted antiviral treatments for mpox. The disease, which causes rashes, blisters, and flu-like symptoms, remains endemic in Central and Eastern Africa, with over 29,000 cases and 800 deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2024 alone. However, underreporting may mean these figures are even higher. While the 2022 global outbreak of Clade II mpox garnered significant attention, the current outbreak, driven by Clade I, poses a far greater threat with a mortality rate as high as 10%.
Led by Dr. Zhilong Yang of Texas A&M and Dr. Zhengqiang Wang of the University of Minnesota, the initiative will test three promising compounds, focusing on optimizing their effectiveness and ensuring safety. This effort addresses significant limitations in current treatments, which are primarily designed for smallpox and show limited efficacy against mpox. Furthermore, smallpox drugs are often stockpiled for emergencies, limiting their immediate availability.
The research is not only vital for mitigating the current mpox crisis but also lays the groundwork for combating future orthopoxvirus outbreaks. As Dr. Wang emphasized, understanding and developing treatments for mpox will advance solutions for other zoonotic poxviruses that could emerge.
Given that existing treatments, including tecovirimat, have shown reduced effectiveness, this research is crucial for global health security. By addressing gaps in antiviral availability and efficacy, the project aims to better equip the world for evolving viral threats, ensuring that future outbreaks can be managed more effectively. With mpox now linked to two global public health emergencies, this work represents an essential step toward safeguarding vulnerable populations and strengthening public health systems worldwide.