New antiviral medicines for mpox
Discovery of Antivirals Targeting Mpox Virus
This project is developing new antiviral drugs to treat and prevent mpox infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318969 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Emory are searching for drugs that stop the mpox virus from multiplying. They will run laboratory tests to find compounds that block key viral proteins and then test promising candidates in cells and animal models. The team is also looking for drugs that stay effective when other antivirals fail or when the virus becomes resistant. If compounds are promising, the goal is to move them toward human testing at medical centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active mpox infection or those at high risk of exposure could be candidates for future clinical trials of these antivirals.
Not a fit: People who do not have mpox or who are not eligible for clinical trials will not directly benefit from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer, more effective antiviral treatments that shorten illness and reduce spread of mpox.
How similar studies have performed: Existing antivirals such as tecovirimat and cidofovir have been used against mpox but have limitations, so this effort builds on prior drugs while seeking more effective and durable options.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarafianos, Stefan G — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sarafianos, Stefan G
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.