The long term objective of this proposal is to develop novel antiviral drugs effective against hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV infection in humans leads to progressive destruction of the liver resulting in cirrhosis and heightened risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Antiviral drugs (such as interferon) have had limited success in controlling HCV-induced liver disease. Two novel molecules have been discovered both of which block HCV protein synthesis without adversely affecting the host cell. This proposal will examine direct and liposome-mediated delivery of these molecules individually and in combination to the liver of experimental animals. In addition, distribution, stability and clearance of these molecules in liver and various other organs of mice will be determined. If successful, the efficacy of these molecules in blocking HCV infection can be studied in chimpanzees. It is hoped that the experiments proposed here will lead to development of novel antiviral drugs effective against HCV infection in humans.

Proposed Commercial Applications

The experiments proposed here should yield important information leading to development of novel drugs effective against HCV infection in humans.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants - Phase I (R41)
Project #
1R41AI045188-01
Application #
2864834
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MBC-2 (01))
Program Officer
Johnson, Leslye D
Project Start
1999-09-30
Project End
2000-09-29
Budget Start
1999-09-30
Budget End
2000-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Virasim, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90034
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Raychaudhuri, Santanu; Fontanes, Vanessa; Banerjee, Rajeev et al. (2006) Zuotin, a DnaJ molecular chaperone, stimulates cap-independent translation in yeast. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 350:788-95
Izumi, Raquel E; Das, Saumitra; Barat, Bhaswati et al. (2004) A peptide from autoantigen La blocks poliovirus and hepatitis C virus cap-independent translation and reveals a single tyrosine critical for La RNA binding and translation stimulation. J Virol 78:3763-76