New antiviral medicines that work against many coronaviruses
Advancing the development of a novel class of small molecules for treating pan-coronavirus infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11181664
Developing new small-molecule antiviral drugs that aim to stop SARS‑CoV‑2 and other coronaviruses by blocking a host cell protein involved in viral trafficking for people with coronavirus infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181664 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is developing a novel series of small molecules (the RMC-113 family) that bind a cell kinase called PIKFYVE to block multiple steps in the coronavirus life cycle and reduce harmful inflammation. They will use medicinal chemistry to optimize these compounds' potency and safety. Compounds will be tested in laboratory cell cultures and in animal models to measure antiviral effects, toxicity, and the barrier to resistance. If preclinical results remain strong, the program plans to advance the best candidates toward human testing at Stanford or partner sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: If the program reaches human trials, ideal candidates would be people with active coronavirus infections (for example, COVID-19) or those recently exposed who meet trial inclusion criteria.
Not a fit: People with illnesses not caused by coronaviruses or those who cannot take kinase-targeting drugs may not benefit from these treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce a safe, broad-spectrum antiviral treatment that lowers viral levels and inflammation for COVID-19 and future coronavirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related host-kinase inhibitors (sunitinib and erlotinib) protected mice from dengue and Ebola, and early RMC-113 compounds have driven SARS‑CoV‑2 to undetectable levels in preclinical tests, so the approach has promising proof-of-concept.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EINAV, SHIRIT — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: EINAV, SHIRIT
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.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents