A discussion is ongoing at the World Health Organization (WHO) on the retention of the remaining smallpox agent stock. The debate extends to the need for adequate countermeasures if the disease reappeared. In this case, quick diagnostics and effective treatments would be critical.

For over 10 years, ISTC has supported international collaborative research of the Smallpox virus, investing over $4.5 million U.S. During this time, seven projects have been carried out, led by the Russian Institute VECTOR (State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology) where one of the two known remaining stocks of Smallpox is held (the other being in the US). 

The scientists developed a microchips for smallpox diagnostics. The microchips can rapidly bind smallpox DNA and indicate whether or not the virus is present. Also, a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction)-based and an antibody-based technique for distinguishing between smallpox and related viruses were researched and showed very promising results. 

In a treatment approach, drug candidates were produced, including 1,2,4-triazine and 1,2,4-benzotriazine derivative-based and nucleoside and nucleotide analogue-based compounds. Some of these proposed drug candidates were found to have very significant antiviral activity. Other work also focused on inhibition of the virus’ reproduction mechanisms and survival.

These projects carried out under the ISTC framework brought together scientists from renowned international institutes in a global preventive effort to better understand the virus and raise preparedness capacity.

The debate on keeping smallpox strains for research purposes is likely to be further discussed at the WHO World Health Assembly in May 2011. 

For further information on the research results of ISTC in this matter, please contact Sebastien Dakin or Wendy Crocker of ISTC.