Scytonema varium is a cultured cyanobacterium of the genus Scytonema.

[1] It is one of many anti viral protein producing algae.

In a similar manner to Cyanovirin-N from Nostoc Ellipsosporum and griffithsin from the red algae Griffithsia, Scytonema varium secretes the broad-spectrum antiviral protein scytovirin which can inactivate both the HIV virus,[1] and Ebola virus,[2] offering hope of treatment for many diseases with viral etiology (cause).

It is currently being investigated as a topical microbicide for HIV prophylaxis.

[3] This Cyanobacteria-related article is a stub.