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Updated: Dec 18, 2025
High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
In vitro inhibition of mumps virus replication by favipiravir (T-705)
Benton Lawson1, Suganthi Suppiah1, Paul A Rota1
1Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Abstract:
During the last decade multiple mumps outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. despite high two dose MMR coverage with most cases detected among two dose MMR vaccine recipients. Waning immunity, the evolution of wild-type virus strains, and settings with intense exposure have contributed to the resurgence of mumps. Typically, mumps virus infections resolve without serious clinical sequelae; however, serious complications may occur among unvaccinated or severely immunocompromised individuals. Favipiravir (T-705) has been shown to have in vitro anti-viral activity against a broad range of positive and negative strand RNA viruses. Here, we demonstrate that T-705 inhibits the growth of wildtype and vaccine strains of mumps virus in vitro at low micro-molar concentrations (EC50 8-10μM). We did not observe the development of resistance after five subsequent passages at low concentrations of drug. Both viral RNA and protein synthesis were selectively reduced compared to host mRNA and protein synthesis. Antiviral treatment options for mumps virus infection may be valuable, especially for areas with a high disease burden or for cases with severe complications. These results presented here suggest that further studies are warranted.
Insights
Favipiravir (T-705) effectively inhibits mumps virus growth in laboratory settings, showing potential as a new antiviral treatment. This research offers hope for managing mumps outbreaks and severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mumps outbreaks persist in the U.S. despite high MMR vaccination rates, with waning immunity and viral evolution contributing to resurgence.
- While typically mild, mumps can cause severe complications in unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals.
- Existing antiviral treatments for mumps are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of Favipiravir (T-705) against mumps virus.
- To assess the potential for drug resistance development.
- To evaluate the drug's impact on viral and host cell synthesis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays were performed to determine the efficacy of Favipiravir (T-705) against wild-type and vaccine strains of mumps virus.
- Viral growth inhibition was measured by calculating the EC50 (effective concentration 50%).
- Subsequent passages were used to assess resistance development, and viral/host cell RNA and protein synthesis were quantified.
Main Results:
- Favipiravir (T-705) demonstrated in vitro inhibition of mumps virus growth at low micromolar concentrations (EC50 8-10μM).
- No significant drug resistance was observed after five passages.
- The drug selectively reduced viral RNA and protein synthesis more than host cell synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Favipiravir (T-705) shows promise as a potential antiviral agent against mumps virus.
- Further research is warranted to explore its therapeutic potential, particularly for severe cases or high-burden areas.
- This study suggests a new avenue for managing mumps infections.
