Hantavirus outbreak revives the search for antiviral treatments

After confirmation of human-to-human transmission potential, clinicians are arguing that supportive care alone is no longer enough. Broad-spectrum antivirals such as ribavirin show activity against some strains but are not formally approved for the disease.

The US National Institutes of Health and the EU's HERA agency are considering pooling small-scale preclinical research funds. Officials say active talks are underway over how to prioritise the repurposing of existing RNA-virus drug candidates and offer a fast-track approval pathway.

Hantaviruses cause roughly 200,000 cases worldwide each year, with case fatality ranging from 1 to 35 percent depending on strain. The outbreak is forcing a fresh look at investment in surveillance for previously neglected zoonoses and in sensitive environments such as animal shelters.