ZMapp was able to rescue 100 percent of rhesus macaques, even when treatment was initiated up to five days after infection with the disease in advanced stages — notable findings since there is no known cure for Ebola.
“The evidence presented here suggests that ZMapp offers the best option of the experimental therapeutics currently in development for treating [Ebola-infected] patients,” the researchers wrote. “We hope that initial safety testing in humans will be undertaken soon, preferably within the next few months, to enable the compassionate use of ZMapp as soon as possible.”
ZMapp has been used to treat human Ebola patients during what is the worst Ebola outbreak in history: Seven patients globally have received the medication. However, two of those seven patients later died from Ebola, according to BBC.
More articles on Ebola:
Are U.S. hospitals prepared for potential Ebola patients? 7 statistics
Viewpoint: Why 14th century Venice may hold the key to overcoming the Ebola epidemic
CDC issues hospital guidance for handling remains of Ebola patients
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