Columbia Technology Ventures

Selective inhibitors of the coronavirus proteases

This technology describes the development of small molecule inhibitors that are pan-inhibitors of coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 viral protease that can be used for the treatment of COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections.

Unmet Need: Small molecule inhibitors as treatments for current and future coronavirus pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. Current methods of treatment have low clinical efficacies or require treatment administration within a narrow timeframe. The main protease of coronaviruses, 3CL protease, is essential for processing polyproteins and has become an attractive drug target.

The Technology: Potent and selective coronavirus protease inhibitors

This technology describes the development of molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease and other coronavirus proteases that are more potent and more coronavirus-selective than current 3CL protease inhibitors. The lead compound inhibitor has potent and broad activity against coronaviruses, a desirable pharmacokinetic profile, and is orally bioavailable. A non-covalent scaffold has also been developed.

Applications:

  • Antiviral treatment for COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections

Advantages:

  • More potent and selective compounds
  • Covalent and non-covalent inhibitors
  • Orally bioavailable
  • Improved efficacy

Lead Inventor:

Brent Stockwell, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

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