# Discovery of inhibitors that target HBx for the treatment of chronic HBV infection

> **NIH NIH R43** · VENATORX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. · 2022 · $253,810

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The HBV X protein (HBx) represents an attractive target for drug discovery efforts as it plays a central role in
activating viral gene expression and promoting conditions that allow the cccDNA form of HBV to persist in the
hepatocytes of chronically infected individuals. The objective of this Phase I SBIR feasibility study is to identify
drug-like compounds that selectively inhibit a key interaction between HBx and a host factor DDB1 (UV
damaged DNA binding protein 1) that is responsible for activating transcription from the cccDNA template.
During the course of this Phase I funding period, we will execute a hit finding campaign against a library of
200,000 compounds with optimal drug-like properties. Quality hits that emerge from the assay will be subjected
to follow-on testing that will investigate the potency, selectivity, and mechanism of action. The most interesting
of these compounds will be subjected to medicinal chemistry driven hit-to-lead to explore structure-activity
relationships (SAR). The overall goal of this project is to discover one or more novel lead series which is
defined as a chemotype inhibitor that demonstrates tractable SAR, potent antiviral activity against HBV and
minimal cytotoxicity. Success in these endeavors will trigger the submission of a Phase II application that will
advance the program from Early Lead Optimization through to Candidate Selection.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10319178
- **Project number:** 5R43AI157533-02
- **Recipient organization:** VENATORX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Glen Coburn
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $253,810
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-12-15 → 2023-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10319178

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10319178, Discovery of inhibitors that target HBx for the treatment of chronic HBV infection (5R43AI157533-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10319178. Licensed CC0.

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