Dual-action drugs that block the coronavirus enzyme and a host protein to fight COVID-19
Development of dual inhibitors targeting the viral main protease and the host cathepsin L as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals
Testing new antiviral compounds designed to stop SARS-CoV-2 by blocking a viral enzyme and a human protein for people affected by COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11316960 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing and refining molecules that hit two targets needed for the coronavirus to replicate: the virus's main protease (Mpro) and a human enzyme called cathepsin L. They will run biochemical enzyme tests, use cell-based infection experiments, and optimize the compounds for potency and selectivity. Promising candidates will move into animal studies and preclinical safety testing before any human trials. The goal is to create a drug that lowers virus levels and reduces illness severity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent or active SARS-CoV-2 infection would be the likely candidates for future clinical testing of these antivirals.
Not a fit: People without COVID-19 or whose illness is caused by other pathogens would not be expected to benefit from these specific antivirals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new antiviral treatment that reduces COVID-19 severity and shortens recovery time.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies have shown that inhibitors of the viral main protease can block SARS-CoV-2 in cells and animals, but clinical antiviral drugs targeting this mechanism remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jun — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jun
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 below.