Developing a new treatment to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and reduce COVID-19 related inflammation

Optimizing a small molecule inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 replication and associated cytokine storm

['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11177209

This study is working on a new type of medicine that could help fight COVID-19 by blocking a key enzyme the virus needs to multiply and reducing the inflammation that can make you feel worse, with the goal of making it easy to take as a pill.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11177209 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a new class of small molecule inhibitors that target a specific enzyme involved in the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the excessive inflammatory response seen in COVID-19. The approach involves optimizing these inhibitors for effective oral delivery and testing their efficacy in laboratory settings. By understanding how the virus enters cells and how to block this process, the research aims to provide a dual-action treatment that could help manage both the viral infection and its associated complications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 who are experiencing severe symptoms or complications.

Not a fit: Patients who have mild COVID-19 symptoms or those who have recovered from the virus may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment that effectively reduces COVID-19 severity and associated inflammatory responses.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for viral infections, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, 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.