Finding new treatments for COVID-19 by targeting a specific virus protein
Official title: A Novel Cell-based System for the Search of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a Inhibitors against COVID-19
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11123316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific part of the COVID-19 virus to find new medicines that could help people with COVID-19 feel better and reduce serious symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175931-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by COVID-19, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms or complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those with mild cases that do not require antiviral treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new antiviral drugs for COVID-19 by targeting the ORF3a protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study uses a unique cell-based system to explore how ORF3a contributes to the severity of COVID-19 and its complications. By understanding the role of this protein in causing cellular damage and inflammation, researchers aim to identify potential inhibitors that could mitigate the effects of the virus. Patients may benefit from new antiviral therapies that could improve treatment outcomes for COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective antiviral drugs that improve recovery and reduce complications from COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting viral proteins for antiviral drug development, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Richard Yuqi — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Richard Yuqi
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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.