Chinese scientists have discovered that an existing oral medication could combat the Nipah virus – one of the world’s deadliest pathogens with up to 70% fatality rates. The drug VV116, already used for COVID-19 treatment, showed 66.7% survival rates in animal trials, according to a study published this week in Emerging Microbes & Infections.
Why This Matters Now
With fresh outbreaks in West Bengal this January 2026 and expanding infection zones since 2023, Nipah’s combination of high lethality and lack of treatments has kept global health agencies on high alert. 🚨 The virus spreads through bats and contaminated food, causing brain inflammation and respiratory failure.
From COVID to Nipah Fighter
Developed by teams at Wuhan Institute of Virology and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, VV116 works by disrupting the virus’s replication machinery. Researchers found it reduced viral loads in lungs, spleen, and brain tissue during trials – a critical step toward human testing.
What’s Next?
Since VV116 is already approved for COVID-19 in China and Uzbekistan, experts say this could fast-track its adaptation for Nipah outbreaks. 💡 The drug might also protect healthcare workers and high-risk communities through preventive use.
