Programmable antivirals: Targeting viral RNA structures with LNAs and small molecules
Official title: Programmable antivirals: Targeting viral RNA secondary structures with LNAs and small molecules
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11587812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly program aims to develop throat- and nose-delivered antiviral medicines that target conserved viral RNA structures to treat or prevent infections from SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $4,164,691 |
| NIH project number | 4U19AI171421-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11587812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with acute viral respiratory infections or those at high risk of severe disease who may be eligible for early-access antiviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by viruses outside the targeted diseases or those unable to receive intranasal or similar delivery may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports a collaborative effort at Stanford to create new outpatient antiviral therapies that target stable RNA structures in viruses. Researchers will design antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules that can bind these structures, aiming for effective treatment with simple delivery methods. The project builds on prior work showing strong protection in models and seeks to extend these strategies to SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from new antivirals that work against current and future respiratory viruses, potentially reducing illness severity and transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies demonstrated strong antiviral effects and resistance-free profiles in models, supporting continued development in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glenn, Jeffrey S — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Glenn, Jeffrey 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.