Developing novel pan-inhibitors of coronaviruses main proteases

Multiple coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 have infected humans in the last two decades. In particular, the current COVID-19 pandemic triggered by SARS-CoV-2 has affected the entire human population, caused millions of deaths and negatively impacted the global economy. Vaccines have helped to reduce the severity of the infection; however, the virus continues to evolve with ability to escape immunity and reinfect people. Therefore, there is a need to develop potent oral drugs for treatment of coronavirus infection. Our research team has recently identified important scientific evidence of a common molecular site that is present in all coronaviruses. Using advanced computational methods and cutting-edge experimental methods, we aim at designing small molecule drugs to target this ‘hotspot’ site in coronaviruses. This will possibly help to develop drugs not just against the current SARS-CoV-2 but all coronaviruses, thereby, equipping us against any future outbreaks from this highly infectious virus family.

Faculty Supervisor:

Todd Holyoak;Subha Kalyaanamoorthy;Aravindhan Ganesan

Student:

Partner:

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Retail trade

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: