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Possible New Rabies Treatment |
Possible New Rabies Treatment
Rabies is a serious viral disease that causes death in infected people and animals. This virus can affect any warm blooded mammal. It is commonly spread by bites from an infected animal, and in North America, most pets become infected by suffering a bite from a skunk, fox, raccoon, or bat. Worldwide, the disease is responsible for more than 50,000 human deaths per year, mostly in Africa and Asia, according to the Alliance for Rabies Control.
A Dutch biotechnology company is developing a “rabies monoclonal antibody cocktail” for post-exposure treatment of rabies in humans. The USDA has recently given this drug a fast-track designation, intended to speed the development and review process for approval. Fast track status is reserved for medications that may treat life-threatening diseases, or that focus on unmet medical needs.
The first phase of the study suggests that the drug is well tolerated, works to neutralize the rabies virus, and can be safely administered in combination with standard rabies vaccine. At this time, the second phase of the study, to assess the safety and efficacy, is still underway. If approved, the cocktail has the potential to save many lives.
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