SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors to treat COVID-19
Official title: SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors for treating COVID-19
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11397320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers at Purdue University are developing new drug compounds that block key SARS-CoV-2 proteases to help treat COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $750,974 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI158649-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with confirmed COVID-19 who could participate in future clinical development or use resulting therapies if approved.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-CCOVID illnesses or those not eligible for protease inhibitor therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to turn promising laboratory findings into real antiviral drugs that inhibit the virus’s proteases and stop replication. The work builds on prior SARS/MERS experience to design covalent and non-covalent inhibitors targeting 3CLpro and PLpro. Researchers will test these compounds with the goal of creating safe, effective drugs for people with COVID-19. The study includes collaborative efforts to optimize potency, selectivity, and antiviral activity, with a focus on translational potential.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could yield new antiviral drugs that reduce COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on coronavirus protease inhibitors showed antiviral activity in preclinical models, supporting continued development.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghosh, Arun K — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Ghosh, Arun K
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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.