A new study conducted by a team of scientists at the [Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee](https://www.financialexpress.com/about/health-wellness/) have identified a potential drug for treating Chikungunya. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease characterised by fever and severe joint pain, transmitted by infected mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
The researchers found that Efavirenz, a drug commonly used in HIV treatment, may also be effective in reducing the replication of the Chikungunya virus. The study was supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The study found that Efavirenz significantly lowered virus levels in both lab-grown cell cultures and infected mice models.
The scientists also found that Efavirenz affects the replication of the Sindbis virus, which is closely related to Chikungunya. According to a report by India Today, Dr Sanket Nehul, the study’s first author, explained that the drug appears to interfere with the virus early in its replication process.
Dr. Nehul also found that since Efavirenz is already in widespread use for HIV treatment.
According to the scientist, further clinical trials could investigate its potential for treating Chikungunya, potentially reducing the time and costs required for developing a new antiviral drug.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment.
IIT Roorkee stressed that the findings do not confirm Efavirenz as a definitive treatment for Chikungunya. Further studies and clinical trials will be required to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in patients, India Today reported.
Efavirenz (EFV), sold under the brand names Sustiva among others, is an antiretroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. Efavirenz is in a class of medications called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood.
For HIV infection that has not previously been treated, efavirenz and lamivudine in combination with zidovudine or tenofovir is the preferred NNRTI-based regimen.
Efavirenz is also used in combination with other antiretroviral agents as part of an expanded postexposure prophylaxis regimen to prevent HIV transmission for those exposed to materials associated with a high risk for HIV transmission, as per DrugBank.
**Common side effects of Efavirenz include:**
* Headache
* Nausea
* Dizziness
* Vomiting
* Increased liver enzymes
* Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
* Sleepiness
* Abnormal dreams
* Anxiety
* Itching
* Difficulty in paying attention
* Rash
* Abdominal pain
* Diarrhea
* Depression
* Fatigue
* Pain
* Decreased appetite