Investigating how mutations affect drug resistance in a key COVID-19 enzyme.
Official title: Comprehensive analysis of epistasis in drug resistance potential of Mpro from SARS-CoV-2
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11119963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in a virus enzyme can make COVID-19 treatments less effective, especially a drug called nirmatrelvir, and by understanding these changes, we hope to find better ways to treat patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $243,713 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI191052-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, particularly those who may not respond to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those who have not been treated with nirmatrelvir may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific mutations in the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 can lead to drug resistance, particularly against nirmatrelvir, a treatment used for COVID-19. By using a safe yeast model, the study will analyze various combinations of mutations that disrupt drug binding and those that enhance enzyme activity. The goal is to identify patterns in these mutations and their structural implications, which could help in developing more effective treatments. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how the virus evolves resistance to current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for treating COVID-19 by understanding and overcoming drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding drug resistance mechanisms in viruses, making this approach promising yet still novel in the context of SARS-CoV-2.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bolon, Daniel N — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Bolon, Daniel N
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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.