Potent Protease Inhibitors for Treatment of COVID-19

Researchers at Purdue University have developed compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and outperform an approved therapy. Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck's Molnupiravir are the only antiviral drugs available for individuals with severe COVID-19 symptoms. Purdue researchers are designing more potent compounds to address the continued need for effective COVID-19 therapies. The antiviral drugs developed by the Purdue researchers are 3CLprotease inhibitors that potently block SARS-CoV-2 replication. The best of these compounds are more potent than Pfizer's Paxlovid in enzyme inhibition and antiviral assays. The researchers expect the compounds to have drug-like properties.

Technology Validation: Enzyme inhibition and antiviral assays

Advantages:

- Effective inhibition of 3CLpro enzyme

- Potent antiviral activity

Applications:

- COVID-19 treatment

TRL: Pharmaceuticals

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: 3C-like protease, 3CL protease, 3CLpro inhibitor, Antiviral, COVID-19, Infectious Disease, Pharmaceuticals, SARS-CoV-2