Developing new tools for faster drug discovery targeting COVID-19 and pain relief.
Official title: Solvation directed drug design: from molecular physics to lead optimization
Funded at Herbert H. Lehman College · NIH-11076307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to find better medicines for pain and COVID-19 by looking closely at how certain proteins in our bodies interact with potential drugs, which could lead to more effective treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Herbert H. Lehman College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $379,561 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM144089-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076307 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals affected by COVID-19 or those suffering from pain conditions that may be treated with mu-opioid receptor-targeting drugs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have COVID-19 or pain conditions related to the mu-opioid receptor may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating advanced computational methods to enhance drug discovery processes, specifically targeting the mu-opioid receptor and the main proteases of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. By analyzing hydration structures and thermodynamics in protein binding pockets, the project aims to improve how potential drug candidates are identified and optimized. Patients may benefit from new treatments developed through these innovative approaches, which could lead to more effective therapies for pain management and COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and more effective drugs for treating COVID-19 and pain-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using computational methods for drug discovery, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Herbert H. Lehman College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurtzman, Thomas Philip — Herbert H. Lehman College
- Study coordinator: Kurtzman, Thomas Philip
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.