Development of antivirals against Rift Valley fever virus

Project description

The purpose is to develop and establish in vivo efficacy for small molecule antivirals against Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), an emerging mosquito-borne infectious disease.
We have identified 641 inhibitory compounds of RVFV infection by screening 28,437 small chemical compounds. To determine if these candidates can inhibit RVFV infection, we will first perform pharmacokinetic profiling and development of formulations and then determine the efficacy of the compounds. We expect to identify compounds that are efficacious in vivo and thus strengthen the potential of the candidates for pre-clinical development and eventually human trials. An anti-RVFV small molecule will open avenues for further development and compounds with effect on RFVF in vivo are a solid foundation for development of new antiviral drugs.