# Discovery of Novel Broad-Spectrum Coronavirus Mpro Inhibitors

> **NIH NIH U19** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON · 2022 · $2,770,981

## Abstract

PROJECT 1 - ABSTRACT
The goal of this project is to discover novel broad-spectrum coronavirus main protease (Mpro) inhibitors. We
have already obtained promising first-generation Mpro inhibitors with desired potency and drug-like properties.
The first-generation Mpro inhibitors are rapidly progressing to clinical development. In the current application,
we will capitalize the success of the first-generation inhibitor to develop the second-generation inhibitor. In
anticipation of future coronavirus emergence, the second-generation inhibitor will have (i) activities against
viruses resistant to the first-generation inhibitor and (ii) a broader coverage against different coronaviruses. To
achieve this goal, we will pursue three aims: (i) identify the antiviral spectrum of the first-generation Mpro inhibitor
and evaluate the potential to induce resistance; (ii) discover and optimize a second-generation novel broad-
spectrum Mpro inhibitor to anticipate potential resistance and future pandemics; and (iii) advance our second-
generation broad-spectrum coronavirus Mpro inhibitor through preclinical development to deliver an IND-ready
clinical candidate.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10514152
- **Project number:** 1U19AI171413-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Julien Papillon
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $2,770,981
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-16 → 2025-03-24

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10514152

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10514152, Discovery of Novel Broad-Spectrum Coronavirus Mpro Inhibitors (1U19AI171413-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10514152. Licensed CC0.

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