News

Actions

Experimental drug used to save Virginia boy with rare virus now used to treat Ebola victim

Posted at 5:44 PM, Oct 06, 2014
and last updated 2014-10-07 15:29:46-04

Richmond, Va. -The same drug that was used to save little Josh Hardy, a Virginia boy from Fredericksburg who had a rare virus, is now being used to treat a man who is suffering with Ebola in Texas.

According to WTVR.com, the drug is called Brincidofovir, and it was developed by a North Carolina-based drug company.

Hardy had several bouts with cancer when the virus attacked his already weakened body. His parents fought using social media for their son to get access to the drug.

The company initially said the drug could not be released outside of controlled clinical trials, but an agreement was made with the FDA and Hardy was the first patient ever to receive the drug.

Hardy was finally able to go home in early July after over 6 months of being hospitalized.

Now the man who is fighting Ebola, Thomas Eric Duncan, is also receiving this experimental drug. He is now listed in critical condition but he is stable reports say.

Click here to read more from our sister station WTVR.com.

Related: 

Fredericksburg boy who received experimental drug after battle with drug company heading home

After near-death experience, check out what this amazing kid can do now

Josh Hardy’s father says son faces ‘long road to recovery’

UPDATE: Company says ailing 7-year-old will get drug as part of study