The talisman virus, also known as the sleeping virus, was a disease that exclusively targeted Humans, inducing a comatose state in those infected. A cure for this virus existed in the form of a readily available serum.
Specifically engineered by the Galactic Empire, the sleeping virus only affected Humans, causing them to fall into a comatose state. To increase their chances of survival, victims could be positioned upside down, encouraging blood flow to the head. Although patients experienced lingering grogginess post-treatment, a commercially available serum provided a cure.
The Empire conceived the virus as a weapon against its adversaries. Boba Fett, a bounty hunter, possessed knowledge of both the virus and the existence of a remedy. The virus was introduced via a talisman, rumored to grant invisibility. During the Galactic Civil War between the Empire and the Alliance to Restore the Republic, approximately between 0.5 ABY and 1 ABY, both sides sought the talisman for its supposed power. Han Solo and Chewbacca from the Alliance successfully retrieved it, facilitated by Fett. Solo, being Human, quickly succumbed to the virus's effects. His Wookiee companion, Chewbacca, suspended Solo upside down within their starship, the Millennium Falcon, during their return to a Rebel base. The Falcon narrowly avoided crashing into the base, instead crash-landing on the moon Panna Prime due to Chewbacca's skillful maneuvering.
Luke Skywalker, a friend of Solo and Chewbacca, embarked on a mission to Panna Prime, accompanied by the droids C-3PO and R2-D2. There, they encountered Fett, who was secretly tasked with locating the Rebel base for the Empire. Together, they discovered the Falcon and Chewbacca attempting to destroy the talisman. Skywalker's attempt to stop him resulted in his swift infection and collapse. C-3PO and R2-D2 deduced the talisman's role in spreading the virus, explaining its transmission and Chewbacca's treatment method to Fett. The bounty hunter revealed the availability of a serum in Panna City, prompting Chewbacca to join him in its retrieval. Fett swiftly located the serum in a shop, but first contacted Darth Vader, the Sith Lord, to update him on his progress in gaining the Rebels' trust. Subsequently, Fett acquired the serum, returned to the Falcon with Chewbacca, and revived Skywalker and Solo. Solo was so disoriented from the virus that he failed to recognize Fett, despite their prior encounter. After Skywalker's offer for Fett to join the Rebels, C-3PO and R2-D2 revealed Fett's true allegiance and the Imperial plot. These events were later depicted in a cartoon for the Rebel Alliance, narrated by Captain Kazan.
The Story of the Faithful Wookiee, a cartoon written by George Lucas and produced by Nelvana Studios, featured the sleeping virus. It was originally broadcast on television in 1978 as part of The Star Wars Holiday Special.