15 Aug 2024
Spotlight on Therapeutics: Are broad spectrum antivirals the key to combatting future pandemics?
More than three million people have died from COVID-19 since its global outbreak in 2020, while the combined deaths from all respiratory viruses are significantly higher.
Despite this, there are currently limited options for broad spectrum antivirals to treat respiratory infections. Instead, most antivirals in development target one virus or virus family.
The Doherty Institute’s Dr Rubaiyea Farrukee and her team are looking to change that.
What are broad spectrum antivirals?
Much like broad spectrum antibiotics, antiviral equivalents are used to treat an extensive range of infections.
Dr Farrukee and her team are focused on harnessing the power of antiviral proteins to develop a broad-spectrum solution. These proteins naturally occur within the body and are induced at the point of infection to inhibit virus replication and prevent further spread.
“We are exploring how to increase the production of antiviral proteins in the body to fight infection, without causing problematic side effects,” Dr Farrukee said.
To do this, Dr Farrukee will employ mRNA technology - a molecule that contains the instructions or recipe that directs cells to make more of a protein.
“In our research, we’re looking to create the recipe to increase the production of antiviral proteins, initially focusing our work on three well understood proteins: tetherin, MxA and IFITM3. Eventually this strategy could help to make treatments for new viruses available in much shorter timeframes than currently possible, no matter the pathogen.”
What is the blue sky vision?
“Our vision is to give people access to antivirals that can treat any virus infection,” Dr Farrukee said.
“By creating multiple layers of protection through therapeutics targeting three antiviral proteins, we are strengthening the body’s defences while creating a higher barrier to antiviral resistance than pathogen-specific treatments.”
Project title: Harnessing the power of innate immunity using mRNA
Chief Investigator: Dr Rubaiyea Farrukee
Co-Investigators: Dr Wei Zhao, Professor Patrick Reading, Dr Sarah Londrigan, Professor Jason Mackenzie, Professor Peter Revill and Professor Kanta Subbaro.
Spotlight on Therapeutics: This content series profiles the projects and people behind the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics innovative research.