Novel Antiviral—Griffithsin Derived from Algae—for Prophylaxis or Treatment of Rabies Infection
Rabies virus (RABV) infection leads to fatal encephalitis—inflammation of the brain—if left untreated. Millions of people survive RABV infection each year due to timely administration of post-exposure treatment, however, nearly 60,000 people die from rabies each year according to the World Health Organization. Obstacles to timely treatment for RABV infection include the high cost and burdensome storage requirements (i.e., refrigeration) of current post-exposure treatments (i.e., rabies immunoglobulin (RIG)).