Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded The Scripps Research Institute a $1.62M Project Grant (awarded July 20, 2026; completion June 30, 2031) to develop novel antiviral therapeutics targeting mammarenaviruses. The research focuses on characterizing the mechanisms of action and broad-spectrum efficacy of two lead compound inhibitors—MCOT466 and MCPB916—that target the polymerase and endonuclease activities of the L protein in Lassa virus, Junín virus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. These mammarenaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever and pose significant public health and biodefense threats, particularly in endemic regions, with no FDA-licensed vaccines currently available.

The grant supports comprehensive research activities including biochemical, structural, and viral genetics studies to elucidate drug mechanisms of action and resistance mechanisms; assessment of antiviral activity across known hemorrhagic fever-causing mammarenaviruses and related bunyaviruses; medicinal chemistry and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADMET) studies to optimize pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties for oral antiviral development; and in vivo efficacy evaluation of lead candidates. This work addresses a critical gap in therapeutic options for mammarenavirus infections, where current treatment is limited to off-label ribavirin use with controversial efficacy.