News|Articles|September 19, 2012

FDA fast tracks drugs for Ebola and Marburg viruses

FDA has granted fast-track designation for the development of AVI-7288 and AVI-7537 (Sarepta Therapeutics), for the treatment of Marburg virus and Ebola virus, respectively.

FDA has granted fast-track designation for the development of AVI-7288 and AVI-7537 (Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a severe and potentially fatal disease in humans first recognized in 1967. It is caused by an RNA virus of the Filoviridae family and is understood to be endemic to Africa. The Marburg virus is classified as a Category A bioterrorism agent by the CDC, and was determined to pose a material threat to national security and public health by the Secretary of Homeland Security in 2006. Onset of the disease is often sudden, and the symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and diarrhea. Increasingly severe symptoms may also include massive hemorrhaging and multiple organ dysfunctions. There are currently no treatments for Marburg virus infection beyond supportive care.The hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus is severe and often fatal in humans. The disease was first recognized in 1976 and is one of 2 members of a family of RNA viruses called Filoviridae. The disease is generally understood to be endemic to parts of Africa. Onset of illness from Ebola virus is abrupt with symptoms that include fever, headache, muscle ache, vomiting, and stomach pain. Internal and external bleeding may also be observed in some patients. There are currently no treatments for Ebola virus infection beyond supportive care and the mortality rate is very high.

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