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Kansas State University Foundation earns patent for antiviral development
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The Kansas State University Research Foundation received a patent after researchers at Kansas State University and Wichita State University developed broad-spectrum antivirals that they hope will decrease the spread of common viruses among travelers, according to a press release.
The antivirals — macrocyclic compounds that are unique because they do not disintegrate easily in a patient’s bloodstream — were developed by Kyeong-Ok Chang, DVM, MS, PhD, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, Kansas State University; Yunjeong Kim, DVM, PhD, researcher assistant and associate professor of chemistry and pathobiology, Kansas State University; and William C. Groutas, PhD, distinguished professor of chemistry, Wichita State University.
The goal is to decrease the incidence of common infections, such as norovirus and rhinovirus, and any that pose a bioterrorism threat, among travelers, students and military personnel, according to the release.
Chang said macrocyclic compounds are important in antiviral or drug development due to their “highly stable nature in the body.” In addition to stability, the release said the compounds work to internalize inside of target cells, where the viruses propagate, to stop viral growth. The patented compounds inactivate the viral enzyme produced during the replication in the cells.
“Like any drug development, potential compounds need to satisfy many additional requirements, including cell safety and stability, and eventual antiviral efficacy in the body,” Chang said in the release. “That’s why it takes years to develop antivirals.”
Kim said antivirals can be used as prophylaxis for infections.
“Antivirals are therapeutic tools, but you could also use them as a preventive measure if you expect to come into contact or if you are recently exposed to viruses, especially if you belong to high-risk groups because of pre-existing health concerns,” Kim said in the release. “That way, when you are exposed, you can have the antiviral in your system already.”
The compounds will undergo years of testing before they are made available to consumers, according to the release. The research is being funded by the NIH.
Disclosure: Infectious Disease News was unable to confirm relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.