Project description
Novel antivirals for future outbreaks
The life cycle of RNA viruses involves viral replication and release from host cells through the membrane using specific proteins known as viroporins. Although viroporin blockers have shown therapeutic potential, their clinical success has been limited by resistance and low potency. The ERC-funded ViPoFluX project aims to develop novel antivirals that target viroporins, hoping to address the threat of future viral pandemics. Researchers will undertake a high-throughput screening process using a novel viroporin inhibitor assay to test over 50 000 compounds. The process will include target identification and cross-validation to identify potential lead compounds for further exploitation.
Objective
The potential for future viral pandemics to trigger a global crisis underscores the urgent need for the development of new antiviral drugs. Viroporins, identified in several RNA virus families, form pores/ion channels in cell and/or virus membranes, contributing to the virus life cycle and virus-induced pathology. Blocking viroporins with small-molecule compounds has proven to be an effective therapeutic strategy. However, the clinical success of these viroporin blockers has been limited due to emerging resistance and insufficient potency when repurposed for other viroporin targets. Expanding the repository of viroporin blockers by identifying new compounds that potently inhibit virus infections will advance the pandemic preparedness and likely make drug repurposing more successful in the future. A major challenge is the current methodology for exploring viroporin blockers, which is traditionally time-consuming and has low throughput. In this project. we will combine our novel viroporin inhibitor assay with an automated high-throughput screening (HTS) platform and a library of 50,000 compounds, creating a pipeline suitable for identifying new blockers of potentially any given viroporin. Our pipeline consists of four steps: (I) the identification of viroporin targets, (II) HTS, (III) cross-validation and (IV) and hit-to-lead optimization. Preliminary data from our group demonstrates the feasibility of the assay for viroporins from viruses relevant to global health. We plan to screen relevant viroporins in HTS to develop novel, high potency viroporin inhibitors and file intellectual property (IP) for rationally optimized hit compounds. Once the IP is filed, we will establish a spin-out company to raise funds from public and private sources, advancing our proof-of-concept studies and developing the lead compound further.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.