Discovery of bacterial antivirals to fight COVID-19 and related viruses
Official title: Discovery and characterization of syn BNP antivirals
Funded at Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-11617026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project aims to find new antiviral compounds produced by bacteria that could help treat infections from SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $443,500 |
| NIH project number | 4U19AI171401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with confirmed coronavirus infections or those at risk of exposure who may benefit from future antiviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
This grant focuses on discovery and may not directly benefit patients until a candidate antiviral progresses to clinical testing.
What this research studies
This program searches for small-molecule antivirals sourced from bacteria using multiple discovery methods. It focuses on compounds that could supplement vaccines by providing therapies for active infections and future coronavirus threats. The work involves analyzing bacterial genomes and metabolites to identify promising antiviral candidates and characterizing how they work. If successful, these antivirals could become new options to reduce illness and save lives during viral outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain access to new antiviral therapies for COVID-19 and related viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Past natural products have yielded important antiviral drugs, suggesting potential for new discoveries here.
Where this research is happening
-
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brady, Sean F — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brady, Sean F
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.