Cell-permeant inhibitors of viral cysteine proteases

The coronavirus main protease (Mpro), which is a trypsin-like protease with a catalytic cysteine residue, processes viral proteins in an early step of the coronavirus life cycle, and its activity is required for viral replication. Mpro represents a promising drug target for treatment of coronavirus diseases.

Stanford researchers have designed and developed a set of small-molecule protease inhibitors that inhibit the SARSCoV2 main protease with improved cell permeation or potency.

Stage of Development
In vivo: Mouse Studies