Peptide blockers to stop COVID-19 spread
Official title: Fusion inhibitors that block host-to-host transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11380521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are developing lipid‑attached peptide antivirals meant to stop SARS‑CoV‑2 from entering cells and reduce person‑to‑person spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $710,512 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI160953-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
In the future, ideal candidates would be people recently exposed to SARS‑CoV‑2 or those seeking short‑term protection from infection.
✕Less likely to help
People with advanced, late‑stage COVID‑19 needing hospital-level care are unlikely to benefit from a drug that primarily blocks viral entry.
What this research studies
This project makes and refines lipid‑conjugated peptides that bind the coronavirus spike and block the virus from fusing with human cells. The peptides will be tested in laboratory assays and against live SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, and leading candidates will be evaluated in a ferret transmission model to see if they prevent spread. Promising compounds could move toward safety testing in people. The current work is preclinical (lab and animal) and does not enroll patients now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these inhibitors could become a new antiviral option to prevent COVID‑19 infection or transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Related lipopeptide fusion inhibitors have shown strong antiviral effects in laboratory and animal tests but are not yet established treatments in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Porotto, Matteo — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Porotto, Matteo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
Understanding flu and COVID-19 vaccine responses in people and in the lab
Researchers at Stanford explore how flu and COVID-19 vaccines work in people and in lab tests to improve protection for adults.
-
Oral small molecule inhibitors to block SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication
A Stanford-led project tests a pill that could stop SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses from copying their RNA inside infected cells.
-
Outpatient antiviral cocktails to fight SARS-CoV-2 and future RNA viruses
Researchers at Stanford are developing outpatient antiviral cocktails that could be used easily outside the hospital to treat COVID-19 and future RNA virus infections.
-
Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Proteases to Block Viral Replication
A patient-facing program aims to discover and optimize small molecules that block key SARS-CoV-2 enzymes, potentially reducing viral replication.
-
How different COVID-19 vaccines shape immune responses
This project compares immune reactions after mRNA and adenoviral COVID-19 vaccines to learn how long protection lasts and why some people get breakthrough infections or side effects.
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.