Chikungunya re-emerged in India in 2006 after a 20-30 year gap.
Affected 14 million people in 2006, with lab-confirmed cases in 2,001 individuals.
No approved antiviral treatment for chikungunya currently exists.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease causing fever and severe joint pain, often debilitating and potentially persistent.
It's transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and while there's no specific treatment, prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites
Study on Efavirenz (HIV Drug) for Chikungunya
Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside HIV inhibitor, was tested for its effectiveness against chikungunya virus.
Conducted by IIT Roorkee’s Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering.
Implications & Next Steps
Efavirenz’s established pharmacokinetics & safety make it a strong candidate for drug repurposing.
Further clinical trials needed to evaluate its efficacy & manage side effects like inflammation.
Study suggests potential broader antiviral effects, as efavirenz also inhibited Sindbis virus (a close relative of chikungunya).
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