Broad antiviral medicines that boost the body's early immune response to COVID-19
Develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents against COVID-19 based on innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-10848350
This project will create broad antiviral drugs that use the body's early interferon immune signals to fight COVID-19 and other new viruses.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10848350 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers will map how type I interferon turns on antiviral genes after SARS-CoV-2 infection to find the most powerful natural defenses. They will identify key molecules and pathways that block multiple viruses and then design drug candidates that mimic or enhance those effects. Laboratory and preclinical tests will measure how well these candidates stop SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses. Successful lab leads could move toward animal studies and, eventually, human trials at clinical sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Once the drugs reach clinical testing, ideal candidates would likely include people with recent or early COVID-19 infection or those at high risk of exposure to emerging viruses.
Not a fit: People without viral infections or those already in late-stage COVID-19 complications where antivirals are less effective would likely not benefit from these treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce medicines that work against COVID-19 and many future viral outbreaks, lowering severe illness and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Interferon-based approaches and some broad antiviral candidates have shown promise in lab studies and limited clinical settings, but broadly effective BSAAs remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JUNG, MICHAEL E — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: JUNG, MICHAEL E
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus