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New Drug VV116 Shows Promise Against Deadly Nipah Virus

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology say VV116 may help manage Nipah outbreaks.
Nipah virus has a fatality rate up to 75%, with a recent outbreak in West Bengal, India, infecting at least five people.
VV116, originally developed for Covid-19, increased survival in hamsters to 66.7%.
Wuhan Institute of Virology stated VV116 could serve as both a preventive measure for high-risk groups and a treatment option for Nipah outbreaks.

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Story summary

Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology say VV116 may help manage Nipah outbreaks.
Nipah virus has a fatality rate up to 75%, with a recent outbreak in West Bengal, India, infecting at least five people.
VV116, originally developed for Covid-19, increased survival in hamsters to 66.7%.
Wuhan Institute of Virology stated VV116 could serve as both a preventive measure for high-risk groups and a treatment option for Nipah outbreaks.