Tecovirimat

Generic Name
Tecovirimat
Brand Names
Tpoxx, Tecovirimat SIGA
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C19H15F3N2O3
CAS Number
869572-92-9
Unique Ingredient Identifier
F925RR824R
Background

The World Health Organization declared smallpox, a contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease, eradicated in 1980. However, there have been longstanding concerns that smallpox may be used as a bioweapon. Tecovirimat is an antiviral drug that was identified via a high-throughput screen in 2002. It is effective against all orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia, cowpox, ectromelia, rabbitpox, monkeypox, and Variola (smallpox) virus.

Tecovirimat was approved by the FDA in July 2018 as the first drug ever approved to treat smallpox. Tecovirimat was later approved by Health Canada in December 2021, followed by the approval from the European Commission in January 2022. Other than smallpox, tecovirimat is also indicated to treat complications due to replication of the vaccinia virus following vaccination against smallpox, and to treat monkeypox and cowpox in adults and children. Tecovirimat is available as both oral and intravenous formulations.

Indication

Tecovirimat is an inhibitor of the orthopoxvirus VP37 envelope wrapping protein and is indicated for the treatment of human smallpox disease in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 3 kg. The efficacy of tecovirimat may be reduced in immunocompromised patients. In Europe, it is also indicated to treat complications due to replication of the vaccinia virus following vaccination against smallpox.

In Europe, tecovirimat is also used to treat monkeypox and cowpox in adults and children.

Associated Conditions
Complication of Smallpox Vaccination, Cow pox, Monkeypox, Variola Major (Smallpox)
Associated Therapies
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whitehouse.gov
·

Update on the Biden-Harris Administration's Commitment to Addressing the Global Mpox Outbreak

The U.S. is supporting global mpox response with $500M and 1M vaccine doses, focusing on vaccine distribution, testing, and treatment in affected countries like the DRC. Domestically, the U.S. is prepared for clade I and II mpox cases with early detection, increased clinician education, and widely available vaccines. The risk to the general public remains low.
stocktitan.net
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Antiviral Drug NV-387 Advances to Phase II Trials Amid Funding Needs

NanoViricides reported Q3 2024 financials with $3.87M cash and $7.36M net property assets. Lead drug NV-387, a broad-spectrum antiviral, is advancing to Phase II trials for MPOX, RSV, Influenza, and COVID. A Phase Ia/Ib trial was completed with no adverse events. The company raised $1.71M through an ATM offering and has a $3M credit line, but additional funding is needed for planned Phase II trials. NV-387 showed promising results in animal trials, potentially offering superior effectiveness over existing treatments.
gavi.org
·

Five innovations that could help to bring mpox under control

Mpox continues to spread in DRC and Burundi, with focus on vaccines, drugs, improved care, diagnostics, and public health messaging to control the outbreak. Existing smallpox vaccines provide cross-protection, and new mpox-specific vaccines are in development. Antiviral drugs are being tested, and improved care in clinical trials reduced fatality rates. Rapid and point-of-care diagnostics are needed. Public health messaging must address misinformation and low awareness.
nypost.com
·

SIGA under investigation after release of NYC's ex-COVID czar's comments on vaccine

Dr. Jay Varma, ex-Covid czar of NYC, is under investigation for allegedly spinning media stories about SIGA Technologies' monkeypox drug TPOXX to protect stock prices. Secret recordings reveal Varma's comments, leading to a 15% drop in SIGA's stock. Varma was fired from SIGA and removed from its board.
mynbc15.com
·

NYC law firm probes pharma company over potential security violations

Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz investigates Siga Technologies for potential securities violations after former NYC COVID czar Jay Varma, who was on Siga’s board, admitted to promoting Siga’s monkeypox drug TPOXX despite low public risk. Varma’s comments aimed to maintain investor confidence, but Siga’s stock dropped 15% post-revelation. Siga fired Varma and distanced itself from his comments, asserting TPOXX’s effectiveness.
nypost.com
·

Jay Varma details in secret recording how to use the media to 'spin' stories about Mpox drug

Dr. Jay Varma, NYC's ex-COVID czar, admits using media to 'spin stories' about a monkeypox drug by former employer SIGA Technologies, aiming for FDA approval.
kfoxtv.com
·

NYC COVID czar reveals he pushed monkeypox drug despite 'very low' risk to public

Jay Varma, former NYC Mayor’s Office Senior Advisor for Public Health, admitted to pushing monkeypox drug TPOXX despite low risk to the general public, focusing on gay men. Varma aimed to get FDA approval for TPOXX, leveraging media to maintain public belief in the drug's efficacy.
cidrap.umn.edu
·

Poor outcomes after Tpoxx mpox treatment mainly seen in those with weak immunity

Tecovirimat prescribed to over 7,100 US mpox patients (2022-2023) for rash and pain, with most SAEs in immune-compromised patients. Skin and anogenital regions most affected. 223 SAEs (3.1%) and 40 deaths (0.6%) reported, mainly in severely immunocompromised. HIV patients with low CD4 counts had poor outcomes. EA-IND data insufficient; controlled trials needed.
unmc.edu
·

Promising Mpox Drug Fails in Trials as Virus Spreads

A promising mpox antiviral drug, tecovirimat (TPOXX), failed to improve symptoms in a trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shared initial findings early due to the urgent need for evidence on its use, amid a global health emergency declared by the WHO.
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