The antiviral tecovirimat appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of monkeypox symptoms and skin lesions, according to a small study. Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is an antiviral drug for the treatment of smallpox. It limits viral spread in the body by inhibiting the work of the protein involved in the release of the enveloped virus. Recently, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowed physicians to tecovirimat on a compassionate use basis to treat adults and children with orthopoxvirus infections, including monkeypox.
We have very limited clinical data on the use of tecovirimat for monkeypox infection. There is much to learn about the natural progression of the disease and how tecovirimat and other antivirals may affect it, said study lead author Angel Desai, an adult infectious disease specialist at the University of California (UC) Davis.
The recent global outbreak of monkeypox has led to more than 45,500 cases as of August 22, 2022. While symptoms usually resolve on their own in 2-4 weeks, a recent study showed that 13 per cent of patients needed hospitalisation. The new study included patients referred to UC Davis Medical Center, primarily through the Sacramento County Department of Public Health, between June 3 and August 13. Patients with skin lesions in multiple body parts or sensitive areas such as the face or genital region were offered oral tecovirimat treatment.