Technology Overview

Durham researchers have identified small organic molecules that are able to lyse membrane lipids. These agent shave potential application against enveloped viruses as a consequence of this lytic activity. If successful, their mode of action would be novel.

The mode of action exploits chemical processes that have been identified at Durham (), whereby some functional groups are reactive towards chemical components of lipid membranes, leading to their chemical transformation within the membrane. This transformation can be detrimental to viability. Membranes with lipid compositions similar to those of enveloped viruses such as Covid-19 are reactive. There is chemical selectivity within this process, both at the level of the molecule (some functional groups are reactive, others are not) and the target membrane composition. The researchers are undertaking research to establish a framework for understanding the reactivity (at an academic level).

Stage of Development

In the short term the researchers would look to formulate and test some of the existing compounds for antiviral activity as proof of principle. Principal activities would include disruption to virion integrity and/or assembly as a means of preventing propagation. None of these compounds have been tested for antiviral activity. Most can be made available at very short notice.

Benefits

The USP lies in the mode of action (novel and unexploited). The agents modify the chemical composition of lipid membranes, leading to loss of function. This achieves the same goal as the use of detergents (i.e. soap), but with the potential for better selectivity and compatibility with internal use. The agents are “pharma-friendly”, i.e. acceptable by Lipinski rules.

Opportunity

In the medium term the inventors would look to improve the activity and specificity of any active agents with suitable funding (e.g. Innovate UK).

Novel Antivirals for Enveloped Viruses

Seeking