Targeting key coronavirus proteins with new compounds
Official title: Targeting druggable coronavirus proteins
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11542057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are developing new chemical compounds to block important coronavirus proteins, aiming to stop replication across multiple strains for patients who have or may face COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,121,939 |
| NIH project number | 4U19AI171443-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11542057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with COVID-19 or at risk of infection who could benefit from new antiviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other pathogens or those not responsive to the new compounds may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on four viral targets across coronaviruses and uses parallel, high-throughput screening to find compounds that can inhibit those targets. The work progresses through a common development pipeline so promising molecules can be advanced quickly. If successful, these compounds could lead to therapies that hinder virus replication and reduce disease impact for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could yield new antiviral candidates that help treat or prevent COVID-19 and related coronavirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous proof-of-principle findings suggest that targeting coronavirus proteins can effectively hinder viral activity, supporting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farzan, Michael R. — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Farzan, Michael R.
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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.