The Evaluation of Compound X in a Mouse Model in CHIKV Disease

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an infectious alphavirus spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes alpopictus mosquitoes. Recently, there have been various outbreaks in the Americas, the Caribbean, and across Asia and Africa (Bettis et al., 2022). Although mortality rates of Chikungunya disease are relatively low, the disease has been shown to have high morbidity and chronic effects. Currently, there are no approved antivirals for treatment of CHIKV infection. The goal of this study was to identify whether Compound X is an effective treatment in a mouse model of CHIKV infection. Compound X was active in cell culture models of CHIKV infection, therefore efficacy in vivo was anticipated. To test this hypothesis, Compound X was first tested for toxicity in C57BL/6 black mice. After the initial study, no gross toxicity was observed, and the infection study proceeded. Once the mice were infected with chikungunya via a subcutaneous injection in the right hind footpad, Compound X was administered twice a day for 7 days post-infection at two doses. Efficacy was determined by measuring footpad swelling and spleen weights and collecting samples to quantify infectious virus. Upon completion of the study, it was concluded that Compound X was not an effective treatment in this mouse model of CHIKV infection and diseases, and further evaluation toward clinical development is not warranted.