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Agriculture

Newcastle Disease Virus: Researchers Discover Promising Antiviral Compound

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Sindh Agriculture University have discovered a potential antiviral compound, favipiravir, to combat Newcastle disease virus (NDV). This bird disease remains a significant threat to global poultry production, with outbreaks persisting even in vaccinated flocks. According to the study, favipiravir has shown promise against several RNA viruses, and the researchers evaluated its efficacy, toxicity, and molecular mechanisms against VVNDV in an in ovo model.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrated that favipiravir displayed dose-dependent toxicity, with the highest dose significantly reducing embryo survival and inducing hepatic necrosis.
  • Therapeutic doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg achieved 100% embryo survival, significant weight gains, and complete viral suppression.
  • Molecular docking analysis revealed a strong binding affinity of favipiravir to the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp).
  • The study provides the first in ovo evidence of favipiravir's efficacy against VVNDV, suggesting its potential use in poultry production.
  • The research emphasized the importance of dose-dependent toxicity monitoring, highlighting the need for further in vivo and field-based studies to validate its safety and optimize dosing regimens.

Statistics:

  • 100% embryo survival rate achieved at therapeutic doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg.
  • Complete viral suppression achieved with undetectable HA activity and EID50 values.
  • Highest dose (2,280 mg/kg) significantly reduced embryo survival (p = 0.027).
  • Molecular docking analysis showed a strong binding affinity of favipiravir to RdRp, mediated by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding with residues Arg1189, Tyr1192, and Ser1288.

Sources:

  • Favipiravir as a potent inhibitor of Newcastle disease virus: in ovo efficacy, dose-dependent toxicity, and molecular insights into RNA polymerase inhibition (Veterinary World 2025,18(9):2785-2797).
  • Veterinary World (http://www.veterinaryworld.org).
  • Doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2785-2797.

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