Creating new treatments to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Official title: Development of Inhibitors Against SARS CoV-2 NSP16 Methyltransferase
Funded at Lychee Bioscience LLC · NIH-11073115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lychee Bioscience LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $299,985 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI177149-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those who have already recovered from COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Lychee Bioscience LLC
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Hongmin — Lychee Bioscience LLC
- Study coordinator: Li, Hongmin
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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.