Experimental antiviral shows promise in blocking measles-like virus transmission in ferrets amid US outbreak

A Georgia State University team has demonstrated that an experimental oral antiviral significantly reduces the spread of canine distemper virus in ferrets, offering potential new tools to combat the rising measles cases in the US.

A Georgia State University team says an experimental oral antiviral has sharply curbed transmission of a measles-like virus in ferrets, a finding that comes as the United States faces its worst measles year in decades.

In work published in Nature Microbiology, researchers reported that GHP-88310 blocked both airborne and direct-contact spread of canine distemper virus, a close relative of measles used in animal models. The drug, given before or after exposure, also reduced symptoms and shortened the period during which infected animals could pass on the virus.

Richard Plemper, professor and director of the university’s Centre for Translational Antiviral Research, said the aim was to mimic spread in households and crowded indoor settings. He argued the compound could complement ring vaccination, which public health officials use to contain outbreaks around confirmed cases.

The findings are notable because measles transmission is rising again in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has logged 2,318 cases in 2026, already above the full-year total for 2025, according to AP and other reports. Most infections have been in unvaccinated people or those with unknown status, with outbreaks concentrated in several states. Public health experts warn that vaccination coverage needs to remain at about 95% to sustain herd immunity.

The researchers say GHP-88310 is now moving towards clinical testing.

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