Emerging treatments
Monoclonal antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the viral glycoprotein on the Lassa virus have been tested in animal models (guinea pigs) in which they have shown protective efficacy when given shortly after exposure. This is an emerging treatment that requires further study.[40]
Favipiravir
Favipiravir was developed as an antiviral drug for influenza, and was used experimentally in Ebola during the epidemic in West Africa. It has demonstrated synergistic activity in vitro against Lassa virus in combination with ribavirin and improved survival in mouse models.[41] An ongoing controlled, multi-site, open label, randomised phase 2 trial with two treatment arms aims to compare favipiravir with ribavirin, the current standard of care.[42]
LHF-535
LHF-535 is a small-molecule viral entry inhibitor that targets the arenavirus envelope glycoprotein. A phase 1 dose escalation is ongoing to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy participants.[43]
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