New antiviral treatment for smallpox, mpox, and related poxviruses
Advancement of a poxvirus antiviral
A new small-molecule antiviral aims to stop poxviruses like mpox and smallpox by blocking the virus's RNA-making machinery for people exposed to or sick with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11246749 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a new class of drugs called PDPMs that target the poxvirus RNA polymerase, the enzyme the virus uses to make its genetic messages. They are testing these compounds in laboratory cells and in animal models to see how well they stop viral replication and how safe they are. The team is also working to understand exactly how the drugs work and to choose the best candidates for further development. If the preclinical results are strong, the work could lead to antiviral options that might be used in people under emergency or future clinical trial pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People exposed to or infected with mpox, smallpox, or related poxviruses would be the most likely candidates for eventual treatment or clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People with unrelated health conditions or anyone needing an approved antiviral today are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide an additional safe, broad-spectrum antiviral option to treat or limit the severity of mpox, smallpox, and other poxvirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Existing antivirals like tecovirimat and cidofovir were approved under the Animal Rule and used compassionately, but this PDPM approach is a novel, preclinical strategy that has not yet been proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Connor, John H — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Connor, John H
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.