Rising concern over a Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has intensified interest in broad-spectrum antiviral candidates that could target multiple filoviruses.
The outbreak, declared May 15, 2026, has already reported at least 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths. There are no approved treatments or vaccines specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain.
NanoViricides has highlighted NV-387, an investigational oral antiviral designed to mimic sulfated proteoglycans, which many filoviruses use to attach to human cells. The company believes this mechanism could make the treatment active against the Bundibugyo strain while potentially reducing the likelihood of viral escape through mutation.
The drug is being developed as a room-temperature-stable oral therapy, including gummy formulations for easier administration. However, NV-387 remains investigational, and its effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus has not yet been established clinically.