Developing a new method to find antiviral drugs by targeting RNA

Targeted RNA degradation assay for new antiviral drug discovery

['FUNDING_SBIR_1'] · LUCERNA, INC. · NIH-11006184

This study is looking for new antiviral medicines that can safely target and break down the RNA of viruses, helping to create treatments that work better and are less likely to become ineffective over time.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_1']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorLUCERNA, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Brooklyn, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11006184 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on discovering new antiviral drugs by targeting specific RNA elements in viruses, which are crucial for their life cycle. The approach involves a novel method called targeted RNA degradation (TRD) that aims to identify small molecules that can effectively disrupt viral RNA without affecting normal cellular processes. By improving high-throughput screening techniques, the research seeks to minimize false positives and enhance the efficiency of drug discovery. Patients may benefit from new antiviral therapies that are less likely to encounter drug resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by viral infections, particularly those caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus or other related viruses.

Not a fit: Patients with non-viral diseases or those not affected by the targeted viral infections may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective antiviral drugs for various viral diseases, including COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: While targeted RNA degradation is an emerging strategy, similar approaches in antiviral drug discovery have shown promise, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Brooklyn, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.