Investigating how three antiviral drugs work together to treat COVID-19
Official title: Metabolism-based interactions and organ-targeted delivery of molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir and remdesivir
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11036342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how three antiviral drugs for COVID-19 work together and how to get them to the right parts of the body, with the goal of finding better ways to help patients recover, especially from lung symptoms.
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 start | March 8, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $537,517 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172959-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 who may benefit from antiviral treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with COVID-19 or those who have contraindications to the studied antiviral medications may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the antiviral drugs molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and remdesivir interact with each other and how they can be effectively delivered to target organs in the body. The study examines the metabolic processes of these drugs, including how they inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. By exploring the combination and delivery strategies of these medications, the research aims to enhance their effectiveness in treating COVID-19 symptoms, particularly those affecting the lungs. Patients may benefit from insights into optimized treatment protocols that could improve recovery outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for COVID-19, potentially improving recovery rates and reducing severity of symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with antiviral treatments for COVID-19, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
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.