NAVIPP Scientific Watch Serie
Why Marburg matters
Marburg virus (MARV) belongs to the filovirus family, the same group as Ebola, and is one of the deadliest pathogens known to humans. With mortality rates reaching up to 90% in some outbreaks, it is considered a major pandemic threat. Yet, progress in developing treatments and vaccines has been slowed by the absence of suitable animal models to study the disease.
A breakthrough with ferrets
Recent research has changed this picture by demonstrating, for the first time, that ferrets can develop lethal Marburg virus disease when exposed to adapted viral strains.
Key findings include:

- Guinea pig–adapted MARV caused uniform lethality within 10 days, mirroring key features of filovirus disease.
- Infected ferrets displayed hallmark signs such as rash, high viremia, blood abnormalities, and a dysregulated immune response.
- The study also identified genetic mutations associated with increased pathogenicity.


This discovery provides researchers with a powerful new model to study how the virus causes disease and to evaluate urgently needed countermeasures.
Why this is important for preparedness
Animal models are indispensable in pandemic preparedness: they allow scientists to test antiviral drugs and vaccines in conditions that mimic human disease. Until now, the lack of a reliable small-animal model for Marburg virus limited the ability to evaluate new therapies.


With ferrets, the global research community gains a relevant and accessible platform for testing. This is a crucial step toward accelerating medical countermeasures against Marburg virus.
How NAVIPP contributes
NAVIPP is building a comprehensive antiviral pipeline that includes:

- High-throughput screening of compound libraries against high-risk viruses.

- Evaluation of antiviral candidates in advanced ex vivo and in vivo models, like the newly established ferret system for filoviruses.
- Prioritization of compounds with broad-spectrum potential, ensuring preparedness for both known and emerging pathogens.


By integrating cutting-edge science into its research platform, NAVIPP helps ensure that Europe is not caught off guard when the next viral outbreak occurs.
Conclusion
The development of a ferret model for Marburg virus is more than a scientific milestone — it is a step forward in the global effort to anticipate and counteract pandemic threats. Combined with the NAVIPP consortium’s efforts to create broad-spectrum antivirals, this discovery strengthens our collective ability to face the unknown.


Preparedness today means resilience tomorrow.