# Live Cell Fluorescent Assays for SARS-CoV-2 protease activity and COVID-19 Drug Discovery

> **NIH NIH R44** · MONTANA MOLECULAR, LLC · 2022 · $300,000

## Abstract

SUMMARY STATEMENT
The SARS-CoV-2 virus depends upon two proteases for replication, 3CLpro and
PLpro. If one or both of these proteases can be blocked, COVID-19 infection can be
effectively treated. Montana Molecular makes and sells live cell, fluorescent
biosensor assays for disease research and drug discovery. In response to the
COVID-19 pandemic, Montana Molecular applied its expertise and background in
live cell assay development to build fluorescent biosensors for the SARS-CoV-2
main protease, 3CLpro. The prototype sensor described in this proposal
demonstrates feasibility. Direct to Phase II support is requested here to speed the
development of even brighter, more sensitive assays for the 3CLpro and PLpro
proteases. These assays can be used in high throughput screening for compounds
that inhibit the protease, and engage with their target in living, human cells.
406-539-7399 366 Gallatin Park Drive Suite A Bozeman, MT 59715

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10480515
- **Project number:** 1R44AI165188-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** MONTANA MOLECULAR, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS E HUGHES
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $300,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-13 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10480515

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10480515, Live Cell Fluorescent Assays for SARS-CoV-2 protease activity and COVID-19 Drug Discovery (1R44AI165188-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10480515. Licensed CC0.

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