Creating new treatments to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Development of Inhibitors Against SARS CoV-2 NSP16 Methyltransferase

NIH-funded research Lychee Bioscience LLC · NIH-11073115

This study is looking for new medicines to help fight COVID-19 by targeting a specific part of the virus that helps it grow and avoid our immune system, with the hope of finding effective treatments for anyone affected by the virus.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLychee Bioscience LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11073115 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new therapeutic agents to combat COVID-19 by targeting a specific protein in the virus called Nsp16. This protein plays a crucial role in the virus's ability to replicate and evade the immune system. The researchers will use advanced screening techniques to identify small molecules that can inhibit this protein's function, potentially leading to effective antiviral treatments. By understanding how the virus modifies its RNA, the study aims to create drugs that can disrupt this process and help control the infection.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of severe COVID-19 infection or those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those who have already recovered from COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral medications that effectively reduce the severity and spread of COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research targeting viral replication mechanisms has shown promise in developing antiviral therapies, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Tucson, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.