Scientists from the University of Bristol and start-up Halo Therapeutics are developing antiviral treatments that could prevent the virus from entering the body.The team recently reported a breakthrough discovery in Science magazine. They found that exposing SARS-CoV-2 to linoleic acid locks the virus’s spike protein into a closed shape. This:  blocks the virus’s entry into cells slows down its replication inside cells prevents it spreading and infecting people. The research was part-funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Council (BBSRC). A ‘pan corona’ treatment The team’s spinout company, Halo Therapeutics, was formed to take the research to clinical trials as soon as possible.Treatments under development include a nasal spray, soon to be followed by an inhaler. They work by preventing the virus penetrating cells in the:  nose throat lungs. Laboratory studies indicate that the antiviral will work against all strains, including the highly contagious Kent, South African and Brazilian variants. At home antiviral treatment Professor Imre Berger, director of the Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology at Bristol and Halo’s chief executive said: The aim of our treatment is to significantly reduce the amount of virus that enters the body and to stop it from multiplying. Then, even if people

Taking the long view fighting COVID-19 While the world has been focused on a vaccine, Professor Imre Berger is taking the long view on coronavirus, by exploring how best to treat the virus as an ongoing problem

It’s an attractive prospect: a single pill, popped immediately after you test positive for Covid, to stop the virus in its tracks and prevent serious disease.

Since the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus changed everyone’s lives in March 2020, an extraordinary amount of time and effort has gone into understanding and characterizing this virus.

While the world has been focused on a vaccine, Professor Imre Berger is taking the long view on coronavirus, by exploring how best to treat the virus as an ongoing problem, including targeting ‘hot zones’.

A team of top scientists from the University of Bristol have announced the formation of a new biotech company that is developing newly patented potential treatments for Coronavirus.

A team of top scientists from the University of Bristol have announced the formation of a new biotech company that is developing ground-breaking and newly patented potential treatments for Coronavirus.

A team of top scientists from the University of Bristol have announced the formation of a new biotech company that is developing ground-breaking and newly patented potential treatments for coronavirus.

A team of top scientists from the University of Bristol have announced the formation of a new biotech company that is developing ground-breaking and newly patented potential treatments for coronavirus.

Based on a study of a British biotech company, they discovered a molecule that transforms the shape of the COVID-19 virus’s spike protein. The shift can prevent it from penetrating human cells.

Clinical trials will shortly be launched into pivotal, cost-effective antiviral treatments for COVID-19 following the discovery of a molecule which changes the shape of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and in so doing inhibits the virus’ ability to enter cells.

A British biotech company is moving towards Phase II clinical trials of a range of treatments to tackle coronavirus infections.

A team of top scientists from the University of Bristol have announced the formation of a new biotech company that is developing ground-breaking and newly patented potential treatments for coronavirus.

A team of scientists from the University of Bristol have announced the formation of a new BioTech company developing ground-breaking and newly patented potential treatments for COVID-19.

153 news stories in Science

Halo Therapeutics cofounders discover SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is driven to non-infectious locked conformation by Linoleic Acid. Covid-19 anti-viral cure described in Science Magazine .

Halo Therpeutics co-founders publish in Science good review in Forbes