Rescue of non-human primates from advanced Sudan ebolavirus infection with lipid encapsulated siRNA.

Although significant progress has been made in developing therapeutics against Zaire ebolavirus, these therapies do not protect against other Ebola species such as Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV). Here, we describe an RNA interference therapeutic comprising siRNA targeting the SUDV VP35 gene encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology with increased potency beyond formulations used in TKM-Ebola clinical trials. Twenty-five rhesus monkeys were challenged with a lethal dose of SUDV. Twenty animals received siRNA-LNP beginning at 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days post-challenge. VP35-targeting siRNA-LNP treatment resulted in up to 100% survival, even when initiated when fever, viraemia and disease signs were evident. Treatment effectively controlled viral replication, mediating up to 4 log10 reductions after dosing. Mirroring clinical findings, a correlation between high viral loads and fatal outcome was observed, emphasizing the importance of stratifying efficacy according to viral load. In summary, strong survival benefit and rapid control of SUDV replication by VP35-targeting LNP confirm its therapeutic potential in combatting this lethal disease.
Competing Interests: A.L., I.M. and T.W.G. claim intellectual property regarding RNA interference for the treatment of filovirus infections. I.M. and T.W.G. are co-inventors on US patent 7,838,658 (‘siRNA silencing of filovirus gene expression’) and A.L., I.M. and T.W.G. are co-inventors on US patent 8,716,464 (‘Compositions and methods for silencing Ebola virus gene expression’). The other authors declare no competing interests. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the University of Texas Medical Branch.