Developing new antiviral treatments for COVID-19

Development of dual inhibitors targeting the viral main protease and the host cathepsin L as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10693823

This study is working on new medications that can help fight COVID-19 by targeting both the virus and a specific protein in our bodies, with the goal of making treatments more effective for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10693823 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating dual inhibitors that target both the viral main protease and a host protein called cathepsin L to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The researchers have identified several promising compounds that show strong antiviral activity in laboratory tests. By using advanced enzymatic assays, they aim to optimize these inhibitors for better effectiveness against the virus. This innovative approach could lead to new antiviral medications that work by disrupting the virus's ability to replicate.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those at high risk of severe COVID-19.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 or 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 effective antiviral treatments for COVID-19, potentially reducing the severity and duration of the illness.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing antiviral agents targeting similar mechanisms, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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.