Developing a new method to find antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA
Official title: An L-Aptamer-Displacement Assay for High-Throughput Screening of RNA-Targeted Small Molecule Antivirals
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-10914857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to find tiny molecules that can stick to the RNA of the COVID-19 virus, with the hope of creating better treatments for patients who need help fighting the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $296,650 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175986-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by COVID-19 or those at high risk of severe illness from the virus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by COVID-19 or who have already recovered from the virus may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel screening technology to identify small molecules that can effectively target and bind to the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. By using L-aptamers, a type of synthetic DNA, the study aims to improve the specificity and efficacy of antiviral drug discovery. Patients may benefit from this research as it seeks to develop new antiviral treatments that could be more effective against COVID-19 and potentially other viral infections. The approach involves high-throughput screening to quickly evaluate many compounds for their ability to bind to viral RNA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs that are more effective against COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting viral RNA for antiviral drug development, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sczepanski, Jonathan Thomas — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Sczepanski, Jonathan Thomas
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.