Scientists develop promising broad-spectrum antiviral targeting deadly viruses

Researchers from the Nanoscience Initiative at the Advanced Science Research Center, CUNY Graduate Center, have published a study in the journal Science Advances that indicates a significant advancement in antiviral treatment development. The study outlines the potential for creating the first broad-spectrum antiviral (BSA) capable of combating a variety of viral infections, including those that may arise in future pandemics.

Unlike bacterial infections that can be immediately treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, viral infections currently require narrow-target antivirals. This limitation leaves populations vulnerable during the development of specific vaccines and treatments.

The research team focused on viral envelope glycans—sugar molecules common among various viruses. They screened 57 synthetic carbohydrate receptors (SCRs), identifying four compounds that effectively inhibited infection from seven viruses across five unrelated families, including Ebola, Nipah, and SARS-CoV-2.

In trials with mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, 90% of those treated with a lead SCR compound survived, compared to 0% in the control group. The compounds function by binding to viral glycans, revealing a new method of antiviral action with potential applications beyond infectious diseases.

The next steps for the research include advancing the most effective compounds to clinical trials. This work received support from various funding organizations, including the Army Research Office and the National Institutes of Health.