Orally accessible antiviral leaders to fight COVID-19 and related coronaviruses
Official title: Metropolitan AntiViral Drug Accelerator (Project 2)
Funded at Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-11619619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research effort to fast-track safe, easy-to-take oral drugs that can treat COVID-19 and other coronaviruses by repurposing and optimizing existing antiviral compounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $984,500 |
| NIH project number | 4U19AI171401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11619619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with or at risk for coronavirus infections who could participate in later clinical development or biospecimen studies related to antiviral optimization.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without eligible infection status or those unable to participate in later-stage trials or related studies would not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to accelerate the development of an oral antiviral drug with broad activity against SARS-CoV-2 and future coronaviruses. Researchers collaborate with Merck to screen existing antiviral compounds and design new chemical scaffolds that inhibit the viral main protease (3CLpro/MPro). A cell-based SARS-CoV-2 replicon system is used to quickly gauge how potent the compounds are, guiding further optimization. The work focuses on making a drug that is safe, bioavailable in the body, and suitable for outpatient treatment. The effort includes iterative chemistry, biology, and lead optimization to move promising candidates toward clinical development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could access an effective oral medication for COVID-19 and related coronavirus infections in outpatient settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous similar optimizations of 3CLpro inhibitors and drug repurposing approaches have shown promise in accelerating antiviral development.
Where this research is happening
-
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perlin, David S — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Perlin, David S
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.