Drug Pipeline

* Ebola and Marburg Virus programs funded by the Department of Defense’s Transformational Medical Technologies Initiative.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

AVI’s RNA–based drug programs are being evaluated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a condition caused by a defect in the dystrophin gene. DMD results in progressive muscle degeneration, leading to paralysis and death. DMD affects approximately 35–40,000 patients worldwide, with an estimated 600 new cases annually in the U.S. Currently, there are no effective treatments for DMD, and the annual cost of care for DMD patients can exceed $4–500,000 per year. More detailed information about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can be found on our DMD page.

Viral Diseases

AVI’s RNA–based therapeutics have demonstrated positive therapeutic effects in Ebola Zaire and in Marburg Musoke viruses, with high survival rates. There is currently no effective therapeutic for Ebola or Marburg viruses, which are lethal in approximately 85 percent of cases. AVI’s technology may also prove applicable to other viral targets such as HCV and Dengue viruses. Our Biodefense Program page has more detailed information about Ebola Zaire and Marburg Musoke viruses.