Small antibody drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19 and related coronaviruses
Novel nanobodies to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogenic human coronaviruses
Researchers are making tiny, stable antibodies called nanobodies to help prevent and treat COVID-19 and other human coronavirus infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10848489 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is creating nanobodies — single-domain antibodies that are small, stable, and easier to produce than traditional antibodies — that bind the coronavirus spike protein. They test how well these nanobodies block the virus in lab experiments and in animal models to find the most promising candidates. Successful candidates would be optimized for stability and delivery so they work well in the body. If those results are good, the project could move toward safety testing and future clinical trials in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: In later clinical stages, people at high risk of exposure, those recently infected with SARS-CoV-2, or patients needing new antiviral options would be likely candidates for trials.
Not a fit: Patients without coronavirus infection or those seeking an already approved immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these nanobody treatments could become easier-to-manufacture, durable medicines that stop the virus from entering cells and reduce severe COVID-19 or protect against related coronaviruses.
How similar studies have performed: Nanobody-based medicines have shown success in other diseases and many lab studies have demonstrated nanobodies can neutralize SARS-CoV-2, but clinical use specifically for COVID-19 is still early.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia State University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Du, Lanying — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Du, Lanying
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 below.