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A new approach to tackling viruses by targeting the control centre in viral RNA could lead to broad spectrum anti-viral drugs and provide a first line of defence against future pandemics, according to new research at the University of Birmingham.
In a new study, published in
Angewandte Chemie, researchers have shown how this approach could be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier modelling and
in vitro analysis by the team and published in
Chemical Science has also shown effectiveness against the HIV virus.
Professor Mike Hannon, from the University of Birmingham s School of Chemistry, is co-lead author of the study. He said: Although SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been developed with unprecedented speed, there has still been a 12-month wait for development and approval. Viral pandemics remain a big threat and so broad-spectrum anti-virals are urgently needed to keep diseases like coronaviruses at bay while effective dru