Developing oral medications to fight MERS-CoV and similar coronaviruses
Official title: Small Molecule Protease Inhibitors against MERS-CoV and Coronaviruses of Pandemic Potential
Funded at Kansas State University · NIH-11141758 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new oral medications that can help fight the MERS virus and other similar coronaviruses, making it easier for patients to take them when needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $733,730 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI130092-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141758 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of MERS-CoV infection, particularly those in regions where the virus is prevalent or during outbreaks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for MERS-CoV or similar coronaviruses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating small-molecule drugs that can effectively inhibit the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and other coronaviruses with pandemic potential. The approach involves designing inhibitors that target a specific viral enzyme essential for the virus's replication, aiming to improve oral bioavailability compared to existing treatments. By utilizing innovative chemical scaffolds, the researchers hope to develop medications that can be taken orally, making them more accessible for patients. The project will involve laboratory assays and animal models to test the efficacy of these new compounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective oral antiviral medications for MERS-CoV, potentially saving lives and preventing future outbreaks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing protease inhibitors for coronaviruses, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Kansas State University
Manhattan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Kyeong-Ok — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Chang, Kyeong-Ok
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.