FDA approves the first smallpox treatment
The drug prevents the variola virus from infecting other cells
![illustration of variola virus](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/050218_AC_smallpox_feat.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
NO EXIT The variola virus that causes smallpox (illustrated, DNA in red and surrounded by a protein coat and surface tubules) must release copies of itself to infect other cells. The drug tecovirimat prevents this exit, stopping the virus’ spread.
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