There is a pressing need for antiviral compounds that target SARS-CoV-2 replication enzymes, not only to combat the current pandemic, but for future coronavirus outbreaks. A key impediment is the lack of a robust high-throughput viral replication assay with low biosafety requirements. We have developed SARS-CoV-2 replicons – fragments of the viral genome that replicate in cells but do not make infectious virus particles – and shown that they are useful for drug screening, dose titration, and drug synergy studies. We will complete optimization of second-generation replicons, conduct pilot screens, and validate assay scalability and robustness for large-scale screening.
Favorite Off-Time Activity
I like to cook, ride my bike, and spend time with my family. I used to enjoy travel, and hope to get back to it soon!
Best Advice for New Entrepreneurs
Developing a scientific concept into a product is very different from discovery-based research.
