Division/Committee: [MEDI: Division of Medicinal Chemistry]

As the recent COVID-19 pandemic underscores, we are globally unprepared for the re/emerging viral pathogens that have potential to fuel pandemics. Unprecedented progress has been made in advancing antiviral drug candidates to clinical trials and FDA approval, with the representative examples of ensitrelvir and nirmatrelvir. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to emerge, additional antivirals with alternative mechanisms of action are needed to combat drug resistance. In addition, there is a lack of antiviral drug candidates for many viruses with pandemic potential such as alphaviruses and enteroviruses. The lessons learned from SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug discovery may provide valuable guidelines for the fast-track development of antivirals targeting these neglected viruses. NIAID highlighted at least seven viral families for which significant gaps in knowledge or therapeutic countermeasures represent a risk for future outbreaks, and NIH awarded established nine antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Centers for Pathogens of Pandemic Concern in 2022. Given the high-profile nature of pandemic concerns, this symposium will highlight medicinal chemistry efforts focused on viruses of pandemic potential, featuring progress for these viruses which includes assay development and implementation using new structural biology tools, animal model development, hit-to-lead optimization, and leads with in vivo efficacy.

Jennifer Golden

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Appearances