# Advancement of antiviral inhibitors of chikungunya virus

> **NIH NIH R44** · VENATORX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. · 2020 · $1,000,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Novel therapies for the treatment of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections are urgently needed to address the
alarming spread of this pathogen across the Americas. We have identified three distinct series of potent,
selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitors of CHIKV replication. In this Phase II renewal SBIR project, we will
optimize these series of CHIKV inhibitors to Pre-Development stage and advance a first ever CHIKV antiviral
candidate to IND-enabling studies. To accomplish this task, we will execute an integrated medicinal chemistry
optimization/biological profiling campaign to optimize the potency, drug-like properties and oral exposure of each
series. One or more Pre-Development Candidates will be identified and advanced through candidate selection
studies into non-GLP repeat-dose tox in both rats and dogs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9929533
- **Project number:** 5R44AI118115-04
- **Recipient organization:** VENATORX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Daniel C Pevear
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,000,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2015-05-13 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9929533

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9929533, Advancement of antiviral inhibitors of chikungunya virus (5R44AI118115-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9929533. Licensed CC0.

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