INTRODUCTION: The measles virus is a major human pathogen responsible for 
approximately 150,000 deaths annually. The disease is vaccine preventable and 
eradication of the virus is considered feasible, in principle. However, a herd 
immunity exceeding 95% is required to prevent sporadic viral outbreaks in a 
population. Declining disease prevalence, combined with public anxiety over the 
vaccination's safety, has led to increased vaccine refusal, especially in 
Europe. This has led to the resurgence of measles in some areas.
AREAS COVERED: This article discusses whether synergizing effective measles 
therapeutics with the measles vaccination could contribute to finally 
eradicating measles. The authors identify key elements in a desirable drug 
profile and review current disease management strategies and the state of 
experimental inhibitor candidates. The authors also evaluate the risk associated 
with viral escape from inhibition, and consider the potential of measles 
therapeutics in the management of persistent central nervous system (CNS) viral 
infection. Finally, the authors contemplate the possible impact of therapeutics 
in controlling the threat imposed by closely related zoonotic pathogens of the 
same genus as measles.
EXPERT OPINION: Efficacious therapeutics used for post-exposure prophylaxis of 
high-risk social contacts of confirmed index cases may aid measles eradication 
by closing herd immunity gaps; this is due to vaccine refusal or failure in 
populations with overall good vaccination coverage. The envisioned primarily 
prophylactic application of measles therapeutics to a predominantly pediatric 
and/or adolescent population, dictates the drug profile. It also has to be safe 
and efficacious, orally available, shelf-stable at ambient temperature and 
amenable to cost-effective manufacturing.