How three COVID antiviral drugs are processed and delivered to organs
Metabolism-based interactions and organ-targeted delivery of molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir and remdesivir
This project looks at how the antiviral drugs molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and remdesivir are broken down and delivered to different organs to help people with COVID-19 work better and safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284030 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will study how the body’s drug-processing enzymes (like CES1, CES2, and CYP3A4) change the activity of molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and remdesivir and how the drugs, in turn, affect those enzymes. They will use lab experiments and targeted delivery approaches to see whether directing these drugs to specific organs (for example the lungs) changes their effectiveness or interactions. The team will compare different combination and delivery strategies to find approaches that increase antiviral activity while reducing harmful interactions. Findings may include results from cell and animal models and analyses that could guide future human-focused trials or sample collection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current or recent COVID-19 infection or those prescribed molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, or remdesivir would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without COVID-19 or those not taking these antiviral drugs would be unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make existing COVID antivirals more effective and safer by improving dosing and organ-targeted delivery.
How similar studies have performed: Antiviral drugs like these have helped reduce COVID-19 severity, but combining metabolism-focused study with organ-targeted delivery is a newer approach that remains under active study.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Bingfang — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Yan, Bingfang
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.