RNA-synthesis inhibitors to fight coronaviruses
Official title: Discovery and Optimization of RNA Synthesis Inhibitors for Coronavirus and other
Funded at Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-11617024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing look at a research effort to find small molecules that stop how coronaviruses copy their RNA, with the aim of helping current and future patients.
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) | $369,750 |
| NIH project number | 4U19AI171401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with coronavirus infections could benefit from improved antiviral therapies informed by this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to later-stage clinical trials or without infections in areas where new therapies are developed may see delayed or no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies how to block key viral enzymes that coronaviruses use to copy their genome, using lab tests and specialized safety facilities. Researchers test combinations of inhibitors to see if they work better together than alone, aiming to overcome natural viral defenses. The work includes developing high-precision assays and identifying inhibitors that can work against SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses. If successful, these strategies could inform future antiviral treatments for people affected by coronaviruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to more effective antiviral options for patients with coronavirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that combining RdRp and ExoN inhibitors can enhance antiviral effects in vitro, supporting further development.
Where this research is happening
-
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ju, Jingyue — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ju, Jingyue
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.