COVID-19

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (often referenced as COVID-19) is an RNA virus with much higher mutation rates than a DNA virus. Therefore, in the battle against the COVID-19 epidemic, in addition to quarantine and vaccine therapy development, a deeper understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and the acceleration of antiviral drugs development are an urgent need.

SARS-CoV-2 Model and Genome

Currently, ChemPartne’s in vitro biology team has conducted in-depth research on the targets of the SARS-CoV-2 that can be used for drug discovery and has progressively developed the corresponding drug screening assays. Our team has collaborated with domestic China as well as global companies and is involved in a number of SARS-CoV-2 projects to facilitate new anti-coronavirus drug discovery.

Papain-like proteinase (PLpro) is the protease mainly responsible for cleaving the N-terminus of the replicase polyprotein to produce three non-structural proteins (NSP1, NSP2, NSP3) and plays a key role in virus replication. As an indispensable enzyme in virus replication, PLpro is a popular drug target for coronavirus. The SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV PLpro enzymatic assays, which are used for new drug discovery, have been established.

SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Enzymatic Assay Development

MERS-CoV PLpro Enzymatic Assay Development

3C-like main proteinase Mpro (3CLpro) is the first mature protease formed by self-cleavage from replicase polyprotein. It is mainly responsible for cleaving replicase polyprotein to produce non-structural proteins from NSP4 to NSP16, which are vital in viral replications. Further studies on the structure and activity of 3CLpro show that it is a potential drug target for coronavirus. Thus, ChemPartner’s in vitro biology team has established the 3CLpro enzymatic assay of SARS-CoV-2 as well.

（SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro enzymatic assay development）

For other SARS-CoV-2 drug targets such as RdRp, Endoribonuclease, etc., the corresponding assay development is underway, which will further contribute to accelerate the SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery process.