A single-administration therapeutic interfering particle reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding and pathogenesis in hamsters

COVID-19 vaccines are exceptionally effective in preventing severe disease and death, but they have mixed efficacy in preventing virus transmission, consistent with established literature that parenteral vaccines for other viruses fail to prevent mucosal virus shedding or transmission. Likewise, small-molecule antivirals, while effective in reducing viral disease pathogenesis, also appear to have inconsistent efficacy in preventing respiratory virus transmission, including for SARS-CoV-2. Recently, we reported the discovery of a single-administration antiviral therapeutic interfering particle (TIP) against SARS-CoV-2 that prevents severe disease in hamsters and exhibits a high genetic barrier to the evolution of resistance. Here, we report that TIP intervention also reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission between hamsters.