Novel respiratory syncytial virus therapeutics targeting G-receptor binding - the overall objective of this phase I sbir proposal is to develop novel therapeutics for treating diseases associated with…

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded Sciogen LLC $314,363 on September 1, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to develop novel therapeutics targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection through G-receptor binding inhibition. The Phase I Small Business Innovation Research award funds evaluation of a new class of RSV inhibitors identified through high-throughput screening. Work includes assessment of biological activity using primary human airway epithelial cell models and evaluation of therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy in mouse and cotton rat models. Successful completion aims to discover a new class of anti-RSV inhibitors to address lower respiratory tract infections, for which the only currently approved therapeutic (ribavirin) carries high toxicity and minimal clinical benefit. Performance takes place in California. The award runs through August 31, 2028.

Novel respiratory syncytial virus therapeutics targeting G-receptor binding - the overall objective of this phase I sbir proposal is to develop novel therapeutics for treating diseases associated with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIS) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a leading cause of lower respiratory illness in infants and young children worldwide and also significantly impacts the elderly. Currently, the only approved RSV therapeutic is ribavirin, but its use is limited due to high toxicity and minimal clinical benefits. There is a urgent need for more effective RSV therapeutics. Past and ongoing drug development efforts have primarily focused on inhibitors of the F protein and viral replication. Despite substantial efforts over several decades, no antiviral drugs have advanced to phase 3 clinical trials. In our preliminary study, we utilized a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify a new class of inhibitors that can block RSV infection. In this proposal, we plan to evaluate their biological activities using a primary human airway epithelial cell model and assess their therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy in mouse and cotton RAT models. Successful completion of this project will potentially lead to the discovery of a new class of anti-RSV inhibitors.