Disease Area Infectious diseases, Drug discovery

Archived Antivirals

A decade ago, Kim Janda suffered from Clostridioides – a bacterial infection whose multi-drug-resistant strains contribute to diarrheal disease outbreaks around the world. The experience prompted him to use his role as director of the Worm Institute at California’s Scripps Research to develop new and better treatments using a library of modified salicylanilides – molecules already well-established as a counter against tapeworm infection.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, Janda and his team have begun screening their library for antiviral properties against COVID-19 – and they’ve already uncovered some promising leads. One standout compound – mysteriously (or banally) named “No 11” – was readily absorbed into the bloodstream and was seen to interfere with endocytosis of SARS-CoV-2, hampering the production of new viral particles. Janda believes that “11” would have no trouble tackling COVID-19 variants, as it acts inside cells and not on viral spikes.

 

This article was originially published on The Medicine Maker. To access it, click the link.

Receive content, products, events as well as relevant industry updates from The Translational Scientist and its sponsors.

When you click “Subscribe” we will email you a link, which you must click to verify the email address above and activate your subscription. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at [email protected].
If you wish to unsubscribe, you can update your preferences at any point.

Register to The Translational Scientist

Register to access our FREE online portfolio, request the magazine in print and manage your preferences.

You will benefit from:

  • Unlimited access to ALL articles
  • News, interviews & opinions from leading industry experts

Register