Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, yet another emerging public health concern is the monkeypox disease outbreak . The vaccinia immune globulin intravenous (VIGIV) vaccine and a few other vaccines were identified as effective against this virus, while the research for a better vaccine continues. Recently, the CDC has listed three drugs with proven efficacy against orthopoxviruses in in vitro and animal studies, and are potentially effective against monkeypox . The CDC is facilitating further investigations on their safety and efficacy and holds an expanded access protocol for the use of these drugs during a monkeypox outbreak .
Tecovirimat (TPOXX, or ST-246) USFDA-approved antiviral drug for treating smallpox. Human clinical trials have established its safety and have reported only minor side effects. Both pill and injection forms are available. Cidofovir (Vistide) USFDA-approved…
