Scientists from the Gdańsk University of Technology (PG) are working on the development of new
compounds to block the action of enzymes playing a key role in the multiplication of the SARS-CoV-2
coronavirus. In the near future, it will allow developing an effective, safe and cheap Polish drug that will
eliminate the severe course of COVID-19.

The aim of the research is to obtain new, effective inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro protease enzyme,
i.e. low molecular weight chemical compounds to block its activity. This enzyme is produced in human
cells infected with the coronavirus and plays a key role in the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus,
responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scientists from the University of Gdańsk hope that the receipt of new enzyme inhibitors will allow in the
near future to develop an effective, cheap, Polish drug, which can be used orally and will eliminate the
severe course of the disease. Initial research is promising, and compounds discovered so far do not have
any unwanted side effects.

In the first step, using computer molecular modeling techniques, the researchers designed the
structures of compounds with the highest degree of matching to the active site of the protease.
“Chemicals classified as protease inhibitors are among the most modern and very promising strategies
for designing new drugs used in many antiviral therapies, including the treatment of COVID-19, and they
are an effective supplement to vaccination and other preventive measures”, explains Dr Eng. Sebastian
Demkowicz from the Department of Organic Chemistry.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński