An overview of tecovirimat for smallpox treatment and expanded anti-orthopoxvirus applications.

An overview of tecovirimat for smallpox treatment and expanded anti-orthopoxvirus applications. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2020 Sep 03;: Authors: Russo AT, Grosenbach DW, Chinsangaram J, Honeychurch KM, Long PG, Lovejoy C, Maiti B, Meara I, Hruby DE Abstract INTRODUCTION: Tecovirimat (TPOXX®; ST-246) was approved for the treatment of symptomatic smallpox by the USFDA in July of 2018 and has been stockpiled by the US government for use in a smallpox outbreak. While there has not been a reported case of smallpox since 1978 it is still considered a serious bioterrorism threat. AREAS COVERED: A brief history of smallpox from its proposed origins as a human disease through its eradication in the late 20th century is presented. The current smallpox threat and the current public health response plans are described. The discovery, and development of tecovirimat through NDA submission and subsequent approval for treatment of smallpox are discussed. Google Scholar and PubMed were searched over all available dates for relevant publications. EXPERT OPINION: Approval of tecovirimat to treat smallpox represents an important milestone in biosecurity preparedness. Incorporating tecovirimat into the CDC smallpox response plan, development of pediatric liquid and intravenous formulations, and approval for post-exposure prophylaxis would provide additional health security benefit. Tecovirimat shows broad efficacy against orthopoxviru...
Source: Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther Source Type: research