Antiviral drugs targeting the coronavirus replication enzyme
Small Molecule Inhibitors Against 3C-Like Protease of SARS-CoV-2
Developing small antiviral compounds that block a key coronavirus enzyme to help people exposed to or infected by SARS-CoV-2.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing small-molecule drugs that stop a coronavirus enzyme called 3CLpro, which the virus needs to copy itself. Laboratory tests show these compounds can block human coronaviruses in cell cultures, and early experiments found benefit in infected mice. The team uses high-resolution crystal structures to make sure the drugs fit the viral enzyme precisely and to guide improvements. The work aims to create broad-spectrum antivirals that could work against current and future coronaviruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People exposed to or in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or those at high risk of severe COVID-19, would be the most likely candidates for future treatment.
Not a fit: People with illnesses caused by non-coronavirus pathogens or those needing immediate emergency care are unlikely to benefit from these specific antiviral compounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could reduce viral replication and lower the severity or duration of COVID-19 and related coronavirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related compounds have blocked coronaviruses in cell studies and shown efficacy in animal models, and a 3CLpro inhibitor for feline coronavirus demonstrated clinical benefit, but human clinical efficacy for SARS-CoV-2 has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Manhattan, United States
- Kansas State University — Manhattan, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Kyeong-Ok — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Chang, Kyeong-Ok
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.