FDA approves the first smallpox treatment

The drug prevents the variola virus from infecting other cells

illustration of variola virus

NO EXIT  The variola virus that causes smallpox (illustrated, DNA in red and surrounded by a protein coat and surface tubules) must release copies of itself to infect other cells. The drug tecovirimat prevents this exit, stopping the virus’ spread.

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Editor’s note: The FDA approved TPOXX for the treatment of smallpox on July 13, 2018.