Optimizing Antiviral Treatments for Poxviruses (MPXV)
Official title: Optimization of Antivirals Against Poxviruses
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11438773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly project to find strong antiviral drugs that work against poxviruses like monkeypox, with potential to help people who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $264,633 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202208-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with exposure to or infection by poxviruses and those at risk for outbreaks who may later benefit from new antiviral drugs.
✕Less likely to help
People without poxvirus exposure or infection are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage drug discovery effort.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Georgia are testing new antiviral compounds in human cell models to identify agents that effectively block poxviruses such as vaccinia and monkeypox. The work focuses on compounds that could become medicines, aiming to provide options when infections occur. If successful, this could speed up the development of safer, more effective treatments for people affected by poxvirus infections. The study uses established laboratory methods and a biosafety level program to evaluate how well the compounds stop viral activity in human cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain new antiviral options to treat poxvirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Similar antiviral screening approaches have identified potent compounds; this project builds on that foundation with new candidates.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Uma S. — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Singh, Uma S.
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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.