The University of Barcelona receives funding to develop a broad-spectrum antiviral against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses
The University of Barcelona has received a 20,000-euro Llavor grant from AGAUR to support a project aimed at developing a new type of broad-spectrum antiviral. The project, led by Dr. Raimon Sabaté, professor at the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, seeks to create drugs capable of acting against several respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
The new therapy, called AmyloVir, blocks the mechanism that allows the coronavirus —and potentially other similar viruses— to enter human cells. The project focuses on key areas of the spike protein, essential for the virus to bind to and infect cells. Using computational models and laboratory experiments, the team has identified several compounds that can bind to these regions and prevent infection of lung cells.
According to Dr. Sabaté, “most current antivirals are virus-specific, and new ones must be developed when variants appear. Our approach avoids this issue because it targets mechanisms common to many respiratory viruses, which would make it possible to create an adaptable platform for present and future infections.”
This innovative strategy could lead to broad-spectrum antivirals effective not only against COVID-19 but also against other respiratory infections. The fact that the drug can be administered by inhalation facilitates its direct action on the respiratory tract, may improve patient adherence, and would enable rapid deployment in public health emergencies.
Preliminary studies have shown that AmyloVir can effectively block the entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 into cells. With the new funding, the team will work to optimize the most promising compounds, conduct tests with other respiratory viruses, and develop inhalable formulations for direct delivery to the lungs.
This project contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships), by fostering innovative research and collaboration between universities, industry, and the healthcare sector.
The project, file number 2025 LLAV 00023, is part of the Knowledge Industry call within the category “Llavor Grants for innovative projects with potential incorporation into the productive sector.” The grant is awarded by the Department of Research and Universities of Catalonia and is intended to fund the valorization of technology or knowledge generated by research teams in Catalonia.