Developing new drugs to treat COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors for treating COVID-19

NIH-funded research Purdue University · NIH-10669064

This study is working on new medications to help people with COVID-19 by targeting specific parts of the virus that help it grow, aiming to make treatments more effective and reduce the severity of the illness.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPurdue University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (West Lafayette, United States)
Project IDNIH-10669064 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating novel protease inhibitors that target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The team aims to build on previous findings to develop effective antiviral medications that can reduce the severity of the disease. By targeting specific enzymes critical for the virus's replication, the research seeks to provide new treatment options for patients suffering from COVID-19. The approach involves extensive laboratory work and collaboration to ensure the efficacy and safety of these potential drugs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who have mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 may not receive significant benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective antiviral treatments for COVID-19, potentially reducing hospitalizations and mortality rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research on protease inhibitors for coronaviruses like SARS and MERS has shown promising results, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

West Lafayette, 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.
Conditions Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Coronavirus 2Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV 2Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated coronavirus 2Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related coronavirus 2Severe acute respiratory syndrome associated corona virus 2
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.