A collaborative research project based in Regensburg is leveraging cutting-edge technology and expertise to develop a novel drug against COVID-19. The project unites 2bind GmbH, a leading biophysical analysis company located in BioPark Regensburg, with researchers from the University of Regensburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM).
April 2021 – This initiative focuses on disrupting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, a key component responsible for packaging viral RNA. By inhibiting this process, the researchers aim to halt viral replication and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
2bind GmbH, renowned for its work with top pharmaceutical and biotech companies brings its extensive experience in biophysical analysis to the project. Prof. Dr. Gernot Längst, co-founder of 2bind and Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Regensburg, leads the research efforts.
The project employs computer models and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify potential drug candidates that can effectively target the nucleocapsid protein. Fraunhofer ITEM, specifically the High Throughput Drug and Target Discovery working group led by Dr. Kamran Honarnejad, will screen thousands of substances in their library using high-throughput cellular test systems.
“Regensburg has emerged as a highly regarded biotechnology hub,” explaines Dr. Thomas Schubert, 2bind’s CEO. “The integration of incubators and the university campus facilitates seamless collaboration between research groups and companies, which is crucial for complex projects like this,” added Prof. Längst.
Promising candidates identified by Fraunhofer ITEM are further analyzed by 2bind and the team of Prof. Dr. Ralf Wagner, professor for Medical Microbiology (Virology) at the University of Regensburg, using biophysical, biochemical, and molecular biology/virology techniques. “Of the initial ten potential candidates we received, three have shown promising results in inhibiting viral multiplication in cell culture,” stated Prof. Ralf Wagner. “We are excited about the dynamics of this collaboration and the project’s progress,” concluded Professor Längst. “We hope to make a significant contribution to the development of a new drug to combat COVID-19.”
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