RESEARCH: COVID-19
FOLDING PROJECT #13457 PROFILE

This project uses computer simulations to find promising drug candidates against COVID-19. The top-scoring molecules will be tested in the lab by scientists working on a fast-track, open science effort to develop an affordable treatment.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnyaAmM1nhEThese projects are rapid sprints of relative alchemical free energy calculations for prioritizing compound designs from chemists from the COVID Moonshot for synthesis.

Top-scoring molecules will be made and tested in a laboratory by the COVID Moonshot as it works to develop an open science patent-free inexpensive therapy for COVID-19 that shuts down the essential SARS-CoV-2 main viral protease.

The COVID Moonshot has already made and tested hundreds of compounds, and is pursuing several good lead series.

You can see their progress in real time here:
https://covid.postera.ai/covid/submissions/compounds To learn more about what the Moonshot is and how it came about, you can read our blog post or watch this video. In addition to helping us prioritize compounds, you can help us purchase more compounds for synthesis at cost from Enamine by sponsoring our GoFundMe page for patent-free open science COVID-19 drug discovery! This is a radical new approach to drug discovery that aims to rapidly produce inexpensive new therapies. SARS-CoV-2 main viral potease (Mpro) with ligand bound, from the RCSB.

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Compound

A chemical substance used in research or medicine.

In drug discovery and pharmacology, a compound refers to any molecule with a specific chemical structure. These compounds are often tested for their potential therapeutic effects in treating diseases.

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SARS-CoV-2

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for causing COVID-19. It's a type of coronavirus that spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe respiratory illness.

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Protease

An enzyme that breaks down proteins.

Proteases are enzymes crucial for various biological processes, including protein digestion and cell signaling. They work by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids.

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Main viral protease

The main protease is a key enzyme found in viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

Main viral proteases are essential enzymes for viral replication. They help the virus create new copies of itself by breaking down viral proteins.

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COVID Moonshot

A global collaborative effort to rapidly develop treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.

The COVID Moonshot is a large-scale initiative involving researchers, scientists, and organizations worldwide. It aims to accelerate the development of new therapies and preventatives for COVID-19.

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Open science

A movement promoting open access to research data and publications.

Open science is a philosophy advocating for greater transparency and collaboration in scientific research. It encourages sharing research data, methods, and findings openly to accelerate discoveries.

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Patent-free

Not protected by patents.

Patent-free refers to inventions or discoveries that are not legally protected by patents. This means others can freely use, modify, and distribute them.

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GoFundMe

A platform for raising funds online.

GoFundMe is a popular online crowdfunding platform where individuals or organizations can create campaigns to raise money for various purposes, including medical expenses, charitable causes, or personal projects.