Discovery of small-molecule inhibitors to stop bunyavirus endonuclease
Official title: Discovery of Bunyaviral Endonuclease Inhibitors for Anti Viral
Funded at Microbiotix, INC · NIH-11332712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small-molecule approach is being developed to block a key enzyme of bunyaviruses like Rift Valley fever, with the goal of preventing or treating infections in people and animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Microbiotix, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $969,050 |
| NIH project number | 5R42AI165102-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals at risk for bunyavirus exposure or patients with confirmed RVFV infection, in settings where preventive or therapeutic antiviral options are limited.
✕Less likely to help
People without bunyavirus exposure or infection are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific antiviral development.
What this research studies
This project focuses on identifying and optimizing compounds that inhibit the endonuclease enzyme of segmented negative-sense RNA bunyaviruses, including Rift Valley fever virus. By using high-throughput screening and medicinal chemistry, researchers aim to improve a promising SP3-series molecule (MBXC-4522) for protective and therapeutic use. The work centers on creating potent, selective inhibitors that could be used before exposure or after infection to reduce viral replication. The project is conducted by Microbiotix, Inc. in Worcester, with Gai Liu as principal investigator, over a multi-year timeline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new antiviral drugs to protect people and animals from bunyavirus infections and help prevent outbreaks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous high-throughput screening campaigns have identified lead compounds, with ongoing optimization to improve potency and safety.
Where this research is happening
-
Microbiotix, INC
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Gai — Microbiotix, INC
- Study coordinator: Liu, Gai
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.