Tecovirimat (Tpoxx) is an antiviral used in the treatment of smallpox, monkeypox and cowpox. In fact, this drug is effective against all orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia, cowpox, ectromelia, rabbitpox, monkeypox and variola virus (smallpox). Tecovirimat was approved by the FDA in July 2018. Tecovirimal is an inhibitor of the P37 protein (VP37 envelope-wrapping protein)) of the orthopoxvirus. This protein is essential to form the wrapping complex of mature virions with late endosomal membranes by interacting with proteins such as Rab9 GTPase and TIP47.. The P37 protein is encoded by a highly conserved gene in all members of the orthopoxvirus genus. When Tecovirimat binds P37, this protein can not interact with the Rab9 GTPase and TIP47, which are components of late endosome-derived transport vesicles. In consequence, there is no formation of the wrapping complex for enveloped virions. This drug is available as an oral tablet and an intravenous formulation.

Tecovirimat Pathway References