Discovery of inhibitors of Zika virus

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PROJECT SUMMARY Novel inhibitors of Zika virus (ZIKV) are urgently needed to prevent the occurrence of virus-induced microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The objective of this Phase I SBIR feasibility study is to identify drug-like compounds that specifically inhibit ZIKV replication. During the course of this Phase I funding period, we will execute hit finding campaign against a library of 100,000 compounds with optimal drug-like properties. Quality hits that emerge from the assay will be subjected to follow-on testing that will investigate the potency, selectivity, and mechanism of action. The most interesting of these compounds will be subjected to medicinal chemistry driven hit-to-lead to explore structure-activity relationships (SAR). The overall goal of this project is to discover one or more novel lead series which is defined as a chemotype inhibitor that demonstrates tractable SAR, potent antiviral activity against the available ZIKV strains and minimal cytotoxicity. Success in these endeavors will trigger the submission of a Phase II application that will advance the program from Early Lead Optimization through to Candidate Selection.