Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Proteases to Block Viral Replication
Official title: Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 proteases
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11542055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing program aims to discover and optimize small molecules that block key SARS-CoV-2 enzymes, potentially reducing viral replication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,076,008 |
| NIH project number | 4U19AI171443-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11542055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with confirmed or at-risk COVID-19 infection who could participate in future preclinical or clinical development stages if a candidate advances.
✕Less likely to help
In early-stage research, participants will not directly receive a preventive or therapeutic intervention.
What this research studies
This grant supports discovery and optimization of drug candidates that target two viral proteases essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication. Researchers are moving from early chemical hits to lead compounds and studying their pharmacokinetics to see if they could work in living organisms. The project focuses on identifying molecules that specifically inhibit the viral proteases without affecting human enzymes. If successful, these compounds could form the basis for oral antiviral therapies. The work is conducted at Scripps Research Institute with a focus on translating basic chemistry findings into potential medicines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster-acting oral antiviral options that prevent or treat COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Similar antiviral protease inhibitors have shown promise in preclinical studies, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chatterjee, Arnab Kumar — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Chatterjee, Arnab Kumar
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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.