NEW DELHI: Thousands of Indians suffer from prolonged and debilitating joint pain due to Chikungunya. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now taking decisive action. They have launched an initiative to fast-track a potential antiviral treatment for this disease.
ICMR Calls for Industry Partnership
ICMR has invited Indian companies to help develop and manufacture an experimental RNA-based therapy. This move comes as Chikungunya continues to impose a significant disease burden across the country.
Current Disease Statistics
World Health Organisation surveillance data reveal alarming numbers. Between January and March 2025, India recorded over 30,000 suspected Chikungunya cases. Nearly 1,800 of these were laboratory-confirmed. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are among the worst-affected states.
Breakthrough RNA Therapy Development
Scientists at ICMR's National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune have developed an experimental therapy. This treatment uses RNA-interference technology to directly target the Chikungunya virus.
Promising Pre-Clinical Results
In pre-clinical studies, the therapy completely suppressed viral replication. Tests were conducted on laboratory cell lines and mouse models. The treatment works by silencing two essential viral genes: E2 and nsP1. These encouraging findings have prompted ICMR to offer the technology for transfer to industry.
Expert Insights on the Therapy
Dr Ekta Gupta, Professor of Clinical Virology at ILBS in New Delhi, explains the significance. "RNA interference blocks viral protein formation by targeting messenger RNA," she says. "In Chikungunya, NIV's RNAi approach targeting E2 and nsP1 has shown complete viral suppression in vivo with a single dose. While laboratory results are encouraging, clinical trials are needed. This is important because there is currently no vaccine or antiviral for a disease that causes significant morbidity in parts of the country."
Clinical Potential and Challenges
Dr Neha Rastogi, Senior Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Fortis Gurugram, highlights both opportunities and hurdles. "By targeting key viral genes such as E2 and nsP1, RNA-interference therapy can block viral entry and replication at an early stage and reduce the risk of resistance," she notes. "The main challenge is safe delivery of RNA into target cells, with lipid nanoparticles showing promise. Combination therapy may further improve effectiveness."
Historical Context of Chikungunya in India
India has faced major Chikungunya outbreaks in the past. A study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases estimates that the 2006 epidemic affected about 1.39 million people nationwide.
Recent Outbreak Patterns
More recent research in Scientific Reports (2025) shows nearly 480 outbreaks across around 30 states and Union Territories since 2015. This data highlights the virus's continued spread and persistence.
Current Treatment Limitations
Despite recurring outbreaks, treatment options remain largely limited to pain relief. This is a critical issue because joint pain from Chikungunya can persist for months or even years. Such prolonged pain often affects people's livelihoods and daily functioning.
ICMR's Licensing Initiative
Under the new initiative, ICMR will license the NIV-developed technology to one or more Indian manufacturers. This will be done on a non-exclusive basis to accelerate development and access. Companies will handle production and regulatory approvals.
Potential Public Health Impact
Public-health experts express optimism about the therapy's potential. If it proves safe and effective in human trials, it could reduce long-term disability and healthcare costs linked to Chikungunya. Additionally, it would strengthen India's preparedness for future outbreaks of this debilitating disease.
