Broadly neutralizing knob peptides against SARS-CoV-2 for prevention and treatment
Official title: Broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 peptidic knobs
Funded at Applied Biomedical Science Institute · NIH-11337485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A funded NIH project is exploring tiny, highly stable peptide drugs that can block SARS-CoV-2 and work against several variants, with potential delivery methods like inhalation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Applied Biomedical Science Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $921,025 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173109-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates may include individuals at risk of exposure or early infected patients who could benefit from novel, peptide-based antivirals once approved.
✕Less likely to help
People with allergies to peptide therapeutics or those with conditions precluding inhaled treatments may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on tiny peptide molecules called knob peptides that can bind SARS-CoV-2 and block its activity. Researchers can produce these peptides in microbes and test their ability to neutralize the virus across variants such as delta and omicron. The work aims to identify highly stable, potent candidates that could be delivered through inhalation or nasal spray for prevention or treatment. By studying how these peptides interact with the virus, the team hopes to develop a new class of antiviral options that are easier to manufacture.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have new, stable antiviral options that may be easier to deliver and work across multiple variants.
How similar studies have gone: Early work shows knob peptides can maintain high affinity against SARS-CoV-2 variants, suggesting potential for clinical development.
Where this research is happening
-
Applied Biomedical Science Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smider, Vaughn Vasil — Applied Biomedical Science Institute
- Study coordinator: Smider, Vaughn Vasil
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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.