$100M SMART Antiviral Prize to Advance Novel Antiviral Therapies

The SMART Antiviral Prize is focused on identifying safe and effective broad-spectrum small molecules that have the potential to advance into clinical trials and achieve U.S. regulatory approval. The goal of this competition is to advance the development of novel antivirals that strengthen the therapeutic pipeline and address gaps in strategic preparedness in partnership with innovators offering creative solutions.

Submissions are open now through May 11, 2026!

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Seeking Novel Therapeutic Solutions for Emerging Viral Diseases for Which No Treatments Exist

The SMART Antiviral Prize focuses on supporting the development of antivirals with broad-spectrum activity against members of the Togaviridae and/or Flaviviridae families.

There are currently no FDA-approved broad-spectrum antivirals for any viruses within these families—which include dengue, Zika, West Nile, and Chikungunya. These viruses collectively cause millions of infections each year, including increasing numbers of cases in the United States.

Turning Breakthrough Science Into Life-Saving Antiviral Therapies

The SMART Antiviral Prize is more than a competition – it’s a call to advance bold ideas and move promising science forward.

Rewarding Translational Scientific Breakthroughs Using a Tiered, Sequenced Prize Design

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Participation in the SMART Antiviral Prize is subject to official Terms & Conditions.

  • The Goal

The SMART Antiviral Prize is focused on identifying safe and effective broad-spectrum small molecules that have the potential to advance into clinical trials and achieve U.S. regulatory approval. The goal of this competition is to advance the development of novel antivirals that strengthen the therapeutic pipeline and address gaps in strategic preparedness in partnership with innovators offering creative solutions.

  • A Multi-Stage Competition

The SMART Antiviral Prize is a multi-stage competition designed to move candidates from idea to IND readiness through clear, stage-specific milestones and published evaluation criteria. It begins with a Concept Stage that prioritizes a well-defined technical and development approach (not extensive data), with later stages requiring progressively deeper technical submissions and evidence of broad-spectrum activity and product attributes—while allowing multiple entry points as candidates advance.

Apply Now

Participation in the SMART Antiviral Prize is subject to official Terms & Conditions.

Teaming Opportunity

If you or your organization would like to explore collaborations with other innovators for potential joint collaborative applications, please visit the SMART Antiviral Prize Teaming Page.

Visit Teaming Page

Upcoming Info Sessions & Webinars

Have questions about the SMART Antiviral Prize? Join one of our upcoming info sessions to learn more about the challenge, the application process, and what we’re looking for. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage directly with the VITAL team during a live Q&A.

View Upcoming Webinars

Disclaimer

All information provided within is preliminary and subject to change. Specific criteria and requirements are currently being refined. In the event of any inconsistency, the official SMART Antiviral Prize Terms & Conditions supersede this information.

Objectives for Each Stage of the SMART Antiviral Prize

Describe development plans to discover or advance broad-spectrum small molecule antivirals for Flaviviridae and/or Togaviridae families.

Identify at least one promising chemical series with reproducible cell-based antiviral activity and an early SAR that supports rational optimization.

Build an initial “go/no-go” dataset for each series—basic ADME/PK, key developability flags, and early safety/DDI triage—to justify moving into lead optimization.

Optimize potency, selectivity, and exposure to produce a well-characterized lead and backup, with a clear plan to mitigate remaining liabilities.

Demonstrate in vivo proof-of-concept efficacy in a relevant animal model and nominate an IND candidate (and backup where feasible) suitable for IND-enabling studies.

Complete the nonclinical package required for first-in-human dosing, including GLP toxicology/safety pharmacology and definitive ADME/DDI studies, plus manufacturing/CMC readiness (quality, stability, and formulation appropriate for clinical use).

Conduct appropriate FDA interactions and assemble an IND-ready submission package suitable for filing to initiate clinical trials.

A Multi-Stage Model to Accelerate Antiviral Innovation

The SMART Antiviral Prize offers up to $100M in awards to support innovators across four progressive stages – from early concept through IND readiness. Each stage builds upon prior success, rewarding the most promising candidates for achieving ambitious yet attainable milestones on an accelerated timeline.

Stage

Concept Stage

Stage 1: Hit-to-Lead

Stage 2: Lead Optimization

Stage 3: IND Readiness

Total Prize Pool

$20M

$36M

TBD

TBD

Number of Prizes

Up to eight – $2.5M each

Up to six – $6M each

At least four

At least two

Stage Launch & Declaration of Intent

Open Feb 2 – May 11, 2026

Anticipated Summer 2026

Anticipated Early 2028

Anticipated Early 2030

Award Allocation across Concept Stage and Stage 1: Hit-to-Lead

The SMART Antiviral Prize fosters the growth of early-stage innovators by providing seed funding at the Concept Stage, and by reserving two awards in Stage 1 for Concept Stage winners. Teams with candidates already in preclinical development can enter Stage 1 without having participated in the Concept Stage.

Awards for Concept Stage

Up to eight awards will be made after a merit-based review of all proposals. Submissions will be reviewed as a batch after the solicitation period is closed. Applications will be accepted starting in early February 2026. Concept Stage award decisions are anticipated in Q3 2026. The evaluation process and accompanying criteria are outlined below.

Awards for Stage 1: Hit-to-Lead

Up to six awards will be made in total. Up to two (2) of the six awards are reserved exclusively for Concept Stage winners that meet the Optimal or Essential Success Criteria within the specified submission window.* All applicants must submit a Declaration of Intent and receive approval before their submissions can be reviewed.

Rolling review (“first-to-finish”). Data packages may be submitted at any time during the submission window (anticipated to open in early 2027). Submissions will be reviewed in the order received, and awards will be made on a first-to-finish basis, subject to validation of the data.

Two success-criteria tracks. Data packages may be submitted against one of two success criteria: Optimal Success Criteria or Essential Success Criteria, as defined in the Target Compound Profile.

  • Optimal track: Awards for Optimal submissions will be made on a rolling basis as soon as the data are reviewed and validated, until all available prizes for Stage 1 (that have not been reserved for Concept Stage winners) are awarded.
  • Essential track: Submissions that meet only the Essential Success Criteria will be held and considered at the end of the submission period. Essential awards will be made only if funding remains after all Optimal awards have been issued.

*Reserved awards for Concept Stage winners. The two reserved awards are available only to eligible Concept Stage winners and may be earned at any time during the submission window. These reserved awards will be issued to the first two Concept Stage winners whose data packages meet the Optimal Success Criteria. If none of the Concept Stage winners meet the Optimal Success Criteria, the reserved awards will be issued to the first two Concept Stage winners to meet the Essential Success Criteria during the submission window.

Concept Stage Evaluation Process & Criteria

Overview

The SMART Antiviral Prize uses a two-stage review process:

  1. Written Submission Review
  2. Written Submission Review and Virtual Presentation (Pitch Call)

Stage 1: Written Submission Review

An expert judging panel will review, score, and rank all Concept Stage written submissions using the published evaluation criteria. Scores and rankings will be based solely on the information provided in the written submission at the time of submission.

Stage 2: Virtual Presentations (“Pitch Calls”)

Based on rankings from Stage 1, the highest-scoring applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual presentation (“Pitch Call”) with the judging panel. The Administrator expects to invite fifteen (15) applicants. To support a balanced portfolio, the Prize Administrator intends to invite at least two (2) applicants targeting each prioritized viral family (Togaviridae and Flaviviridae).

Prize Award Recommendations

Following Pitch Calls, judges will submit results—reflecting final scoring and prize recommendations—to Start2 for decision. Consistent with the stated evaluation criteria and eligibility requirements, the final recommendations will support selection of eight (8) winners with at least one (1) winner from each prioritized viral family (Togaviridae and Flaviviridae).

The submissions will be reviewed using the following evaluation criteria.

Scientific rationale and antiviral target strategy

Judges will assess how clearly the submission explains its antiviral concept, including the proposed mechanism of action, relevance to broad-spectrum activity within one or more prioritized viral families, and strength of the supporting evidence (e.g., literature, public data, or preliminary in silico/experimental findings) that the target or pathway is essential, druggable, resistant to development of viral escape,  and plausibly conserved across multiple viruses.

Development and regulatory strategy

Judges will consider how well the submission lays out a realistic, coherent path from the current state of the program toward a Phase 1–ready small-molecule antiviral candidate, including key preclinical activities and milestones, anticipated regulatory needs, and a thoughtful approach to identifying and mitigating major technical, regulatory, and operational risks over the anticipated prize stages.

Capabilities, partnerships, and execution feasibility

Judges will evaluate whether the entrant and any proposed partners have the expertise, resources, and collaborations needed to execute the plan, including relevant scientific and development capabilities, access to required infrastructure and IP/freedom to operate, and an overall program management approach that makes timely, high-quality delivery of the proposed work feasible.

In Stage 2 of the evaluation process, in addition to the written submission, judges will consider the following factors during the Pitch Call:

  • Consistency with the written submission
  • Clarity regarding key risks and proposed mitigation strategies
  • Feasibility of near-term milestones
  • Responsiveness to judges’ questions
View Details

Target Compound Profile Measuring Success in Stage 1: Hit-to-Lead

The SMART Antiviral Prize has outlined the set of target criteria for eligible entrants to reach by the end of Stage 1. Applicants applying for Concept Stage funding should design a credible development plan with these milestones in mind to address early risks and reach the project goals within the data submission period.

See Details

Disclaimer

All information provided within is preliminary and subject to change. Specific criteria and requirements are currently being refined. In the event of any inconsistency, the official SMART Antiviral Prize Terms & Conditions supersede this information.

Desired Product Attributes for Small Molecule Broad-spectrum Antivirals

This document outlines Desired Product Attributes that applicants may find useful when shaping antiviral concepts for submission to the SMART Antiviral Prize. These attributes are provided as a draft and are subject to change as the prize design is further refined.

Download Document

Attribute

Minimal

Ideal

Indication for Use

  • Treatment of acute, laboratory-confirmed infection caused by viruses within the Flaviviridae and/or Togaviridae family
  • Treatment and prophylaxis
  • Family wide label supported by bridging across a prespecified breadth panel

Mechanism of Action

  • Direct-acting antiviral (targets highly conserved viral factors) or indirect acting antiviral (targets host factors required for viral entry, replication, and/or persistence)

Antiviral Activity (Breadth and Resistance)

  • EC50 ≤1 µM across all viruses in a predefined breadth panel
  • Documented, acceptable level of resistance development with understanding of potential resistance across viral species
  • EC50 ≤100 nM across all viruses in a predefined breadth panel; EC50 ≤1 µM across ALL pathogenic viruses within the family
  • No evidence of emergence of resistance in clinical trials

Target Population

  • All populations, e.g., pediatrics (incl. neonates), adults, older adults, pregnant/lactating, immunocompromised

Contraindications, Use, Adverse Reactions and Drug Interactions

  • Acceptable adverse event rate vs. benefit; manageable toxicity
  • No black box warning or major precautions
  • No embryo-fetal toxicity
  • Some contraindications tolerated
  • No severe interactions with routine drugs; monitor CYP pathway; may need dose adjustment with other medications
  • Compatible with potential standard of care (SOC) options
  • Well tolerated, mild or no side effects
  • No significant contraindications or DDIs; compatible with most therapies

Clinical Efficacy

  • Clinically meaningful improvement in time to symptom resolution for acute infections when compared to untreated patients
  • Clinically meaningful reduction in symptom severity/progression to severe disease or hospitalization and strong prevention of progression or transmission, if applicable
  • Prevention of chronic symptoms/post-viral sequelae
  • Safety and tolerability profile supports evaluation for prophylactic indications

Clinical Pharmacology

  • Defined PK/PD; dosing maintains EC90 in target tissue(s)
  • Antiviral activity (e.g., protein- adjusted 90% effective concentration pa-EC90)) supporting a PK/PD Index (PDI) ≥3 (e.g., predicted Ctrough/pa- EC90)
  • Predictable and consistent PK/PD in all sub-populations; long half-life
  • Dosing maintains 3x EC90 in target tissue(s)
  • Antiviral activity supporting PDI≥10 where feasible

Therapeutic Modality

  • Small molecule (at or below 900 daltons)

Therapeutic Window

  • Within 48 hours from symptom onset
  • Maintains effectiveness when started 5 days from symptom onset; effective even with delayed diagnosis
  • Suitable for treatment with extended protection providing sustained viral clearance for persistent infections

Dose Regimen

  • 3 doses/day for up to 14 days, or as needed based on diseasei
  • Single dose

Route of Administration

  • Oral
  • Multiple routes, including oral and parenteral

Storage and Stability

  • ≥ 2 years at 2-8˚C and/or RT, stable in field conditions
  • ≥ 3 years at controlled RT, compatible with pandemic deployment

Regulatory Path, Registration

  • NDA

iPersistent infections caused by Chikungunya lead to prolonged viral presence (up to 28 days) and may need longer duration of treatment for sustained viral clearance.

Target Compound Profile Measuring Success in Stage 1: Hit-to-Lead

The SMART Antiviral Prize has outlined the set of target criteria for eligible entrants to reach by the end of Stage 1. Applicants applying for Concept Stage funding should design a credible development plan with these milestones in mind to address early risks and reach the project goals within the data submission period.

See Details

Disclaimer

All information provided within is preliminary and subject to change. Specific criteria and requirements are currently being refined. In the event of any inconsistency, the official SMART Antiviral Prize Terms & Conditions supersede this information.

SMART Antiviral Prize Teaming

Thank you for your interest in the SMART Antiviral Prize. Since the prize challenge is looking for innovators who can accelerate development of broad-spectrum, small molecule antiviral therapies, teaming collaborations between diverse sets of innovators are encouraged to achieve these goals.

If you or your organization would like to explore collaborations with other potential applicants, please complete the form below. After a short vetting process, you will be contacted by VITAL, and your information will be added to the publicly accessible list below.

Submit Teaming Form

Synko Pharma Corporation

Contact
Adam Braunschweig
Location
Tarrytown, NY
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

Synko Pharma Corp. seeks to develop broad spectrum antivirals based on their synthetic carbohydrate receptor (SCR) technology. SCRs are small molecules with molecular weights below 900 that operate by inhibiting the role of envelope glycans in the viral lifecycle, and we have already demonstrated in vitro and in vivo broad spectrum antiviral activity, including against multiple flaviviridae.

Current Research Focus Areas

Synko Pharma Corp. focuses on developing broad spectrum antivirals, and the current stage of development is TRL3/4 based on the medical countermeasures roadmap. This includes identifying and validating a novel target (viral envelope glycans), in vitro activity against live viruses, and assays to demonstrate that the origin of antiviral activity of our countermeasures is glycan binding.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Synko will be seeking partners for clinical formulations, non-GMP and GMP manufacturing, and running clinical trials.

IIT Research Institute (IITRI)

Contact
Amy Berger
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Organization Type
  • Service Provider (CRO, CDMO)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Virology & Infection Models
  • Development / ADME / Safety5

Relevant Technology

IITRI is a midsized nonprofit preclinical CRO with extensive experience and a long history of supporting antiviral development. We are a fully accredited facility with ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 containment suites available for studies involving pathogenic agents and medical countermeasures, and inhalation exposure suites available for studies in small and large animals. Our GLP-compliant bioanalytical laboratory is onsite for efficient and transport-free coordination of study teams and samples.

Current Research Focus Areas

IITRI specializes in infectious disease vaccine and therapeutic development, IND-enabling programs, and inhalation toxicology for biotech and government sponsors. We have experience working with members of the Togaviridae and Flaviviridae families, along with many other emerging and relevant pathogens. Active research areas include aerosol transmissible pathogens, therapeutic response characterization, and evaluation of antiviral delivery platforms across our multidisciplinary scientific teams.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

IITRI is interested in collaborating with organizations developing innovative antiviral platforms or strategies that require infectious challenge models and comprehensive safety programs. We can support exploratory, non GLP infectious disease evaluations in ABSL 2 and ABSL 3 environments, and fully GLP compliant toxicology and pharmacology studies. Our integrated scientific teams provide continuity across discovery, proof of concept, and data for IND submissions. We seek partners who value direct scientific engagement and a collaborative approach to advancing antiviral and biodefense technologies.

Brown Lab: University of Florida

Contact
Ashley Brown
Location
Orlando, FL
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Virology & Infection Models
  • Development / ADME / Safety5

Relevant Technology

We help de-risk and accelerate antiviral development using advanced PK/PD-driven infection models and translational modeling. Our team designs dosing and combination strategies that maximize efficacy, limit resistance, and minimize toxicity for medically important viruses, including flaviviruses and togaviruses, with full BSL-2/ABSL2 and BSL-3/ABSL3 select-agent capabilities.

Current Research Focus Areas

We are able to use our PK/PD infection and mathematical models to design optimal dosing strategies for antiviral agents that will improve therapeutic outcomes in patients. We are able to de-risk development by identifying the optimal dose and dosing interval for agents as monotherapy or in combination that will maximize efficacy and prevent resistance emergence with minimal toxicity. We use in vitro and small rodent in vivo models. Our labs are certified for BSL-2 up to select agent BSL-3 work

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We seek teaming partners with identified antiviral hit or lead compounds and complementary discovery or development expertise. Our ideal collaborators contribute medicinal chemistry and clinical translation capabilities to support rapid PK/PD optimization and advancement toward first-in-human studies.

GiwoTech Inc.

Contact
Ashwin Lokapally
Location
Boston, MA
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • AI / ML

Relevant Technology

GiwoTech is building an AI-driven platform that simulates protein dynamics and molecular interactions at atomic resolution to accelerate precision drug discovery and transform previously undruggable targets into viable therapeutics.

Current Research Focus Areas

An AI-driven molecular simulations platform to create digital twins of biological systems, focusing on protein-protein interactions and viral mechanisms. Our physics-informed machine learning simulations decodes protein dynamics at atomic resolution to unlock previously undruggable targets for therapeutic discovery. Currently NSF STTR Phase I-funded with BARDA support, advancing core simulation engine development to compress drug discovery timelines from years to months.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We seek collaborators with expertise in: (1) experimental viral characterization and BSL-3 assay development for validation of computational predictions; (2) pharmaceutical manufacturing and GMP-scale production of antiviral therapeutics; (3) clinical trial design and regulatory expertise for FDA pathway navigation. Partners should bring existing pharma relationships, translational biology validation pipelines, o bridge computational predictions to clinical outcomes.

Allegheny Biosciences, LLC

Contact
Brandon Adkins
Location
Lexington, KY
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • AI / ML

Relevant Technology

Computational drug discovery services spanning scaffold-based generative AI, goal-directed molecular optimization, and ADMET prediction. Multiple generative architectures and tools are available depending on project needs, with models fine-tuned for specific viral targets as required. The approach combines AI-driven exploration with medicinal chemistry knowledge to generate practical molecules against targets of interest.

Current Research Focus Areas

Antiviral target analysis and small molecule design for Flavivirus and Alphavirus families. Broad domain expertise spanning clinical pharmacology, structural biology, toxicology, and drug metabolism informs the computational work. Current infrastructure supports de novo generation, hit expansion, multi-objective optimization, and ADMET property prediction.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Collaborators with virology expertise and antiviral assay capabilities to validate computational predictions. Ideal partners have experience testing compounds against Togaviridae or Flaviviridae targets. Synthetic chemistry access is helpful but can be addressed through CROs as needed. Computational hit generation, optimization, and property prediction offered in return. Open to joining established teams or forming new collaborations.

Atea Pharmaceuticals

Contact
Brian Rowe
Location
Boston, MA
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design

Relevant Technology

Atea is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company working to address unmet medical needs with innovative oral antiviral therapies targeting viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. With a platform of more than 2500 nucleoside and nucleotide prodrugs with extensive SAR, we can identify highly potent antivirals such as AT-2490 – a broad-spectrum polymerase inhibitor against both flaviviruses and togaviruses. Ongoing synthesis of new compounds through SAR may lead to new potential candidates.

Current Research Focus Areas

Broad spectrum nucleotide with demonstrated nanomolar in vitro activity against Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, West Nile, Powassan, and Chikungunya. A potential clinical candidate, AT-2490, has been identified to progress into IND enabling studies to include additional testing against Flavivirus and Togavirus genotypes/serotypes/strains. Test in relevant animal efficacy models and other IND enabling activities including DMPK, nonclinical toxicology, and CMC development.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

In vitro (including BSL-3 labs) and in vivo testing (in relevant animal models, such as non-human primates for Chikungunya) against viruses to include Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever, West Nile, Powassan, and Chikungunya. DMPK studies including in vitro DDI, PPB, metabolic stability, and cross-species metabolic ID in hepatocytes. Non-clinical toxicology studies in 2 species, GLP safety pharmacology and toxicology.

Southern Research: A Non-profit Research Institute & Full-Service CRO

Contact
Brian Shook
Location
Birmingham, AL
Organization Type
  • Service Provider (CRO, CDMO)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

Mission-driven nonprofit research institute: Southern Research is an 85-year-old nonprofit with ~200 employees translating scientific discovery into real-world impact through partnerships with government, industry, and academia. Academic and clinical integration: Southern Research leverages direct access to UAB’s core laboratories, clinical trial networks, and clinician-scientist expertise - reducing development risk and accelerating translation from discovery into and through clinical trials.

Current Research Focus Areas

Full service nonclinical CRO with deep expertise and experience in alphaviruses and flaviviruses. Federal select agent program; A/BSL-3 facilities and laboratories. AAALAC accredited with small and large animal capacity, including NHPs. End-to-end small molecule discovery from target identification to clinical lead. Advanced and complex synthetic chemistry capabilities. High-throughput screening and automation/robotics infrastructure. Early and late-stage clinical trial sample testing (GCLP).

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Novel, high-impact antiviral targets suitable for small-molecule discovery and optimization programs. Chemical assets or scaffolds with potential for maturation into differentiated clinical leads and backup candidates. Phenotypic discovery opportunities enabling development of novel antiviral or host-directed therapeutic programs. Antiviral or host-directed programs requiring integrated nonclinical support, including non-GLP and GLP studies. A/BSL-4 capabilities to complement our high-containment virology and translational research capabilities.

Battelle

Contact
Chris Cirimotich
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Organization Type
  • Service Provider (CRO, CDMO)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • AI / ML
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

Battelle provides capabilities to support antiviral development against viruses from the Flaviviridae and Togaviridae families, including existing in vitro and in vivo models for efficacy assessments and expertise in the development of such models to assess novel technologies. Our BSL-3+ containment facility is the largest privately maintained in the US and is operated under a well-established quality management system, and we provide a team of experts to support rapid evaluation of MCMs.

Current Research Focus Areas

Battelle has capabilities to support throughout product development using an established roadmap demonstrated by successful support of multiple product licensures via FDA Animal Rule. Our specialized capabilities being preclinical development supporting in vitro and in vivo efficacy assessments.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Battelle seeks potential teaming partners in need of virology expertise and laboratory infrastructure (up to enhanced BSL-3) to support small molecule development and evaluation by being a partner with high quality, proven track record supporting therapeutic development against emerging infectious diseases spanning TRL-1 to TRL-7/8.

Coley Lab: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Contact
Connor Coley
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • AI / ML

Relevant Technology

Various generative molecular design methods with broad relevance to small molecule drug discovery. In particular, methods for synthesizable molecular design (https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2512.00384) and interaction-aware 3D molecular design (https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.04130).

Current Research Focus Areas

Many AI/ML workflows for molecular design validated on computational tasks or retrospective benchmarks, with a handful of prospective experimental projects.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Interested in partnering to bring our AI approaches to hit expansion and molecular optimization to teams that have the other pieces of the puzzle. We have no virology expertise or assay capabilities and are not in a position to lead a team.

Ai-biopharma

Contact
Cyril B. Dousson
Location
Montpellier, Occitanie, France
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • AI / ML

Relevant Technology

Ai-biopharma seeks to develop broad spectrum direct acting antivirals based on their chemical libraries (physical and virtual) of viral polymerase inhibitors (active site) bearing broad viral coverage, as well as its medicinal chemistry expertise of polymerase inhibitors and proprietary chemoinformatic platform (AI/ML).

Current Research Focus Areas

Lean biotech at drug discovery stage (H2L) developing its own projects of viral polymerase inhibitors. The company is expanding virus coverage of its RNA virus inhibitors' library. Performing chemoinfo, drug design, medicinal chemistry optimization, chemical syntheses, and physchem props assessment in house.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Ai-biopharma is looking for 3 main resources (collaborative or FFS/CRO):
1-Antiviral classical cell screening for both Flaviviridae and Togaviridae viruses of interest as well as primary cell assays on some hits and POC study in infected animal model.
2-ADMET and derisking testing to move to stage 1.
3-Project coordination if collaborative project (non-FFS/CRO).

Nanyang Technological University

Contact
Dahai Luo
Location
Singapore, Singapore
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design

Relevant Technology

Molecular basis of Flavivirus and Togavirus replication mechanisms

Current Research Focus Areas

Understanding of the molecular mechanism of virus replication process and its inhibition by small molecule compounds

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Biochemistry, enzymology, structural biology, and virology

HMH- Center for Discovery and Innovation

Contact
David Perlin
Location
Nutley, NJ
Organization Type
  • Nonprofit
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Virology & Infection Models
  • Development / ADME / Safety5

Relevant Technology

Assets: The Metropolitan Antiviral Drug Accelerator (MAVDA) has several promising assets at various stages of preclinical development. Capabilities: The MAVDA operates pharma-style drug discovery and development platform led by directors with deep academic–industry expertise. Capabilities include virology, high-throughput screening, structural biology and computational modeling, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and in vivo animal models.

Current Research Focus Areas

MAVDA’s scientific focus is the discovery and development of small-molecule antiviral therapeutics suitable for outpatient settings, targeting high-threat viruses through both established and novel mechanisms of action. This scope aligns closely with the current SMART program, with relevance to viruses in the Togaviridae and Flaviviridae families. The MAVDA program has several assets starting from hit identification to near IND-ready candidates.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We welcome partnerships that combine complementary scientific expertise and capabilities, including target biology and validation, innovative assay platforms, lead compounds or chemical series, and enabling technologies that can accelerate progression through preclinical development. In addition, we are interested in collaborations with organizations seeking a strong translational partner capable of de-risking programs and positioning them for regulatory engagement and downstream clinical advancement through effective academic–industry collaboration models.

Chung Lab: University of Louisville

Contact
Donghoon Chung
Location
Louisville, KY
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

1. Alphavirus program: 1) Comprehensive and robust in vitro assays and mouse models for antiviral evaluation of encephalitic and arthritogenic alphaviruses, including a novel whole body imaging-based arthritogenic alphaviruses. 2) Early stage anti-CHIKV lead candidate 2. Flavivirus program: 1) Comprehensive and robust in vitro assays for flaviviruses (DENV/WNV/JEV/YFV). 2) A novel anti-Zika virus NS4B lead ( MW < 300, EC50 < 100 nM, SI50 > 1000, > 1000-fold reduction at 1 µM).

Current Research Focus Areas

Alphavirus program : 1) expanding the antiviral spectrum , 2) establishing nsP1 as a novel antiviral target. Flavivirus program : 1) lead optimization of the novel ZIKV-NS4B lead. 2) expanding the antiviral spectrum, 3) harnessing the PRO-TAC.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

1) Novel hit discovery platform(eg., DEL-Tec), 2) protein and structural biology expertise for difficult proteins including membrane proteins, 3) PRO-TAC expertise

Omphalos Lifesciences Inc

Contact
Donghoon Lee
Location
Dallas, TX
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • AI / ML
  • Development / ADME / Safety5

Relevant Technology

We are developing a mechanistic simulation platform that executes full host pathways to model viral infection, host response, and host-directed interventions. Our virtual cells combine biological rules with public and proprietary datasets, and provide quantitative insight into how interventions propagate through the system. The platform can efficiently explore combinatorial antiviral strategies at scale when multi-factor wet-lab testing becomes impractical.

Current Research Focus Areas

Our focus is host-directed antiviral design using executable whole-cell models. We build pathway-complete virtual cells to predict efficacy, toxicity boundaries, and combination behavior, replacing large experimental campaigns. We previously ported a published SARS-CoV-2 mechanistic model onto our platform and will extend this approach to dengue and Flaviviridae-relevant immune and hepatocyte contexts.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We seek partners with dengue infection capability and small-molecule execution to generate targeted datasets for calibrating and stress-testing whole-cell models. Priority needs include: BSL-2+/3 dengue assays, THP-1 DC-like, Ramos B-cell, and HepG2 hepatocyte infection systems, host-target perturbation tools, and hepatocyte toxicity platforms. Chemistry partners able to supply and tune host-directed modulators are also desired.

Fisher Drug Discovery Resource Center of Rockefeller University

Contact
Fraser Glickman
Location
New York, NY
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

Compound Libraries (LMW, drug-like,diverse, 600K) for High Throughput Screening;high throughput cell-based or biochemical assay development,miniaturization and automation; biophysical measurements of compound affinity, on-rates, off-rates and pharmacological concentration response curves; in vitro mechanism of action studies.

Current Research Focus Areas

Hit compound identification and hit-to-lead support.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We are looking for partners with a specific drug target, for which they would like to interrogate with small molecule libraries; we are also interested in supporting measurement of the affinities of lead compounds in SAR studies using biophysical techniques.

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati

Contact
Guruprasad Medigeshi
Location
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

We have access to all relevant flavivirus isolates (Dengue virus (all four serotypes), Japanese encephalitis virus, Zika virus, West Nile virus and also togavirus (Chikungunya virus). We have cell culture models for all these isolates and also have access to animal models with collaborators. We have high-throughput infection-based screening assays in 96- and 384-well formats.

Current Research Focus Areas

Our laboratory primarily focuses on host-pathogen interactions, antiviral screening and vaccine development. We are currently employing drug repurposing strategies for Flaviviridae and Togaviridae family members. We also have colleagues in Chemistry department who have the expertise to synthesise novel derivatives of antiviral scaffolds.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Compound libraries from either natural sources or new chemical entities with cytotoxicity data. We can also focus on the hits requiring validation after in silico screening or AI-based screening.

READDI, Inc.

Contact
James Rosen
Location
Research Triangle, NC
Organization Type
  • Nonprofit
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

READDI’s mission is to discover, coordinate, and advance antiviral medicines that can be deployed early in an outbreak. READDI is positioned to collaborate at the ‘mouth of the funnel,’ where academic discoveries, public-private collaboration, and biotechnology efforts intersect. READDI uses a portfolio capability management approach to identify promising hits and leads and provide the translational expertise required to advance them into clinical development.

Current Research Focus Areas

READDI proposes to provide centralized management for antiviral therapeutics. Rather than outfitting and operating proprietary laboratories, READDI will integrate an efficient ecosystem of innovators and service providers. This structure creates a highly flexible, capital-efficient framework capable of advancing multiple programs in parallel.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

READDI would like to collaborate with medicinal chemistry hubs, CRO‑based DMPK/toxicology platforms, virology and epidemiology expertise, biotechnology collaborators, geographically diverse regulatory and clinical networks, and domestic and global manufacturing partners.

University of Leuven

Contact
Johan Neyts
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

The Laboratory of Virology & Antiviral Research (www.antivirals.be) discovers and develops small-molecule antivirals. It operates an extensive integrated preclinical discovery pipeline (which led e.g. to Mosnodenvir, a highly potent pan-dengue inhibitor active in humans). We have extensive virus collections, high-throughput biosafety robotics, advanced ex-vivo and animal models, and are supported by CD3’s (www.cd3.be) large compound library and drug discovery expertise.

Current Research Focus Areas

The KU Leuven antiviral drug discovery program focuses on discovering and optimizing small-molecule direct-acting antivirals for advanced preclinical or early clinical development. It aims to identify novel druggable targets in viral replication and integrates high-throughput phenotypic screening with targeted medicinal chemistry to generate and refine lead series with broad-spectrum potential across key viral families, including Togaviridae and Flaviviridae.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

To further strengthen its potential and accelerate progression toward IND qualification and beyond, the KU Leuven team is seeking partnerships and expertise in structural biology of viral proteins (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM) to enable high-resolution target characterization and structure-guided design, GLP/GMP production and CMC to ensure scalable and regulatory-compliant manufacturing of lead compounds, comprehensive toxicity and safety assessment, including both in vitro and in vivo models, to support preclinical (GLP Tox) and regulatory filings.

ARIScience

Contact
Joy Alamgir
Location
Wayland, MA
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • AI / ML

Relevant Technology

5 DENV antiviral hits with potential for applicability towards WNV, JEV, ZIKA

Current Research Focus Areas

We plan to perform SAR, PK, toxicity/off-target effect and efficacy studies focused around our 5 actionable DENV antiviral hits

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We are looking for collaborators to perform med-chem and SAR focused around our 5 actionable DENV antiviral hits followed by toxicity, off-target effect, PK and efficacy studies

X-Chem, Inc.

Contact
Joy Corson
Location
Waltham, MA
Organization Type
  • Service Provider (CRO, CDMO)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • AI / ML

Relevant Technology

X-Chem is redefining small molecule drug discovery through a powerful combination of computational sciences, discovery chemistry and data-driven insight. As the pioneer and global leader in DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology, X-Chem provides the foundation for smarter hit identification, accelerated lead progression and greater confidence in early discovery.

Current Research Focus Areas

X-Chem has recently developed Chemomics, an integrated approach to creating, analyzing, and applying omics-scale chemistry data, ensuring every data point drives discovery forward. We transform full DEL screen data into structure-activity roadmaps, mechanism-of-action insight and synthesis-ready design recommendations.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We are looking for partners who need unique and timely chemistry solutions their viral drug discovery programs from a provider incentivized by success rather than hourly rates.

Emerging Pathogens Institute - University of Florida

Contact
Marco Salemi
Location
Gainesville, Florida
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • AI / ML
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

EPI is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Florida, Gainesville, focused on the emergence and control of human, animal and plant pathogens that impact Florida, the nation and the globe. Over the past five years, we have developed a robust research program to apply Artificial Intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms to investigate and forecast the evolution of viral pathogens (primarily focusing on coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and immunodeficiency viruses).

Current Research Focus Areas

AI/ML models development to predict the evolution of human and animal viruses; application of AI/ML to investigate and forecast drug resistance at the genomic level; development of models that can predict the spread of infectious diseases and use of causal AI models to investigate the impact and implementation of prevention and treatment strategies.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

EPI has access to the University of Florida HiPerGator, the largest high performance computer cluster among US academic institutions. We have strong expertise in ML/AI models development and implementation, and aim to partner with academic and private institutions with a track record on novel antivirals.

Virology Research Services Ltd

Contact
Michela Mazzon
Location
Sittingbourne, Kent, United Kingdom
Organization Type
  • Service Provider (CRO, CDMO)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

We are a UK-based contract research organisation specialising in in-vitro antiviral evaluation. Our team has deep expertise in alphaviruses and flaviviruses, including dengue, Zika and Ross River virus. We deliver studies ranging from routine potency screening to customised programmes, such as resistance selection and mechanism-of-action analysis, with flexible assay development and reliable turnaround.

Current Research Focus Areas

Primary focus is in-vitro antiviral testing and bespoke assay development. We operate as an established service provider with CL2 and CL3 capabilities, validated platforms, and experienced staff, running validated workflows and customised projects for external R&D programmes.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

While we are not intending to submit an application or participate as an equal consortium partner, we are keen to support applicants who require high-quality in-vitro antiviral testing, assay development or mechanistic studies. We welcome engagement with groups that have candidate compounds, platforms or concepts needing experimental evaluation in validated alphavirus and flavivirus systems.

Yang Lab: Stanford University

Contact
Priscilla Yang
Location
Stanford, CA
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

We have experience developing DAAs that have a targeted protein degradation mechanism. We are interested in collaborating with other groups to advance our existing leads including in vivo validation and optimization. We are also interested in collaborating to apply targeted protein degradation to other Flavivirus and Togavirus targets.

Current Research Focus Areas

We have validated small molecule degraders of the dengue virus envelope and capsid proteins.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We experience developing and characterizing direct-acting antivirals that act by a targeted protein degradation mechanism. We have lead molecules for dengue virus that are well-characterized in cell culture that need to be optimized for antiviral potency and ADME/PK to advance and are seeking partners with synthetic chemistry capacity and experience in humanized mouse models for evaluating antivirals. We are also interested in collaborating with other groups who have validated ligands of Flavivirus and/or Togavirus proteins and who are interested in turnings these into degraders.

NEIDL: Boston University Medical Campus

Contact
Rachel Fearns
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

We have unique capabilities through the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories to characterize the efficacy of antiviral compounds at BSL2, BSL3, and BSL4 in both cell culture and animal models (from mouse to non-human primates). To support this, we also develop recombinant orthoflavivirus and alphavirus reporter clones and replicons, and iPSC-derived human organoids. We also have an ACL2/3 insectary with active mosquito colonies to perform mosquito-to-mouse transmission studies.

Current Research Focus Areas

We are a cadre of RNA virologists and cell biologists with established research programs on 1) Orthoflavivirus and alphavirus molecular biology and pathogenesis; 2) Low-mid throughput antiviral compound screening and mechanism of inhibition studies of antivirals; 3) Development of iPSC-derived organoids covering a wide range of human tissues to characterize viral infections; and 4) Animal model development for virology, from rodent models and humanized mice to mosquitoes and non-human primates.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We are uniquely positioned to support partners with molecule-discovery capabilities in evaluating the antiviral properties of their compounds through a comprehensive preclinical pipeline. We are looking to collaborate with partners who: 1) Have antiviral discovery methods and look to perform initial in vitro efficacy studies; 2) Have candidate antivirals for organoid and in vivo efficacy studies; and 3) Have established candidates for advanced in vivo validation studies.

CreaGen Inc.

Contact
Raj Rajur
Location
Woburn, MA
Organization Type
  • Service Provider (CRO, CDMO)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design

Relevant Technology

CreaGen has strong expertise in antiviral drug design and medicinal chemistry, supporting programs from hit identification through lead optimization. We have designed and synthesized diverse small-molecule antivirals using complex, multi-step chemistry and rapid SAR development. CreaGen collaborates with leading academic and industry partners, including The Scripps Research Institute, and currently holds an active NIAID contract. We work with NIAID’s antiviral and pandemic preparedness program.

Current Research Focus Areas

CreaGen’s primary focus is small-molecule drug discovery and medicinal chemistry, with strengths in rational drug design, synthetic chemistry, and structure–activity relationship development. Our work spans hit identification through lead optimization, including analog design and scalable synthesis of complex molecules. CreaGen currently operates at the preclinical discovery and lead optimization stage, supporting academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and federal research programs worldwide.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

We are seeking a biology collaborator who has identified chemical matter (e.g., via screening) and needs chemists to design and synthesize improved analogs. This collaborator should also be able to rapidly test the newly synthesized analogs and report data.

Pop Test Oncology LLC aka Palisades Therapeutics

Contact
Randice Altschul
Location
Cliffside Park, NJ
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

PT therapeutics modulate glucocorticoid and androgen receptors to block viral entry (TMPRSS2/ACE2 downregulation) and inhibit replication. Broad-spectrum activity across 40+ viruses (coronaviruses, Ebola, herpesviruses, influenza). Clinical-stage PT150 offers prophylactic protection via durable pathway modulation, resistance-proof mechanism targeting host pathways, and oral bioavailability. COVID-19 IND approved; ready for biodefense deployment.

Current Research Focus Areas

Company develops PT-series small-molecule therapeutics targeting multiple disease areas: oncology, infectious diseases, CNS disorders, and biodefense. Primary focus: host-directed antivirals (PT150/PT157) for broad-spectrum viral protection. PT150 is clinical-stage with completed Phase 1/2 trials, active COVID-19 IND, and cGMP mfg established. Current stage: PT150 has completed-IND-enabling studies and regulatory pathway optimization for biodefense deployment. Dimer PT157 requires IND studies.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Pop Test Oncology seeks strategic partners with: (1) Clinical development expertise in infectious disease and biodefense (Phase 2b/3 trial design, regulatory strategy); (2) Commercial scale-up and manufacturing capability (drug substance/product GMP, supply chain); (3) Biodefense agency relationships and government contracting experience (BARDA, JPEO-CBRND, DoD); (4) Clinical trial networks for rapid patient enrollment. Licensing and acquisition discussions welcome.

Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Contact
Sean Ekins
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • AI / ML

Relevant Technology

We developed a number of software (AI) tools to design and identify molecules with desired bioactivity and ideal ADME/Tox properties. These include our software for generative molecule design (MegaSyn), custom machine learning model building (Assay Central), ADME/Tox models (MegaTox) and large collections of human and pathogen targets (MegaPredict). We have applied several of these tools to our antiviral and other projects including Yellow fever virus.

Current Research Focus Areas

Our primary focus is on the continued development of these tools and applying them to our own and other companies projects to further validate them. Our most advanced antiviral project is for Ebola Virus and this molecule was identified using machine learning and is currently at the stage of testing in non-human primates.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

Antiviral testing in vitro and animal models

Living In Silico Inc.

Contact
Sohail Mahmood
Location
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • AI / ML

Relevant Technology

We aim to utilize an AI/Machine learning model to predict compounds for their anti-Flaviviridae activity. In addition, we will deploy a toxicology prediction model to further identify candidates that are screened.

Current Research Focus Areas

Ideation stage. The primary focus area of our work is drug discovery and design using AI.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

AI/Machine learning expertise and domain knowledge

Biomolecular Science, LLC

Contact
Victor Ogungbe
Location
Huntsville, Alabama
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Development / ADME / Safety5

Relevant Technology

Our antiviral development program is focused on small‑molecule antivirals against alphaviruses, with a central focus on the nsP2 cysteine protease as a validated therapeutic target. Candidate molecules active against multiple alphaviruses, including VEEV, WEEV, MAYV, and CHIKV, are now in preclinical evaluation. We have recently completed experiments that show one of our broad-spectrum inhibitors has therapeutic efficacy in a lethal mouse model of VEEV infection.

Current Research Focus Areas

Current Focus: Alphavirus Drug Discovery - Lead Optimization and ADME, PK. Current stage of development: Late-stage lead optimization and prospective NHP studies.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

a) Non-human primate studies capability
b) Pre-IND and IND enabling safety pharmacology and toxicology studies and review capability
c) Large-scale API synthesis, characterization, and formulation capability
d) cGMP compliance and quality systems capability

Xie Lab: The University of Texas Medical Branch

Contact
Xuping Xie
Location
Galveston, TX
Organization Type
  • Academia
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Virology & Infection Models

Relevant Technology

1) Cell-based reporter virus assays: diverse, validated reporter virus–derived antiviral screening across Flavivirus and Togaviridae, with counterscreening in additional viral families at BSL-2 to -4 2) Compound libraries: >1,000,000 high‑quality, chemically diverse small molecules for screening 3) Comprehensive biochemical, biophysical, and virological assays for mechanistic validation 4) Antiviral efficacy testing in rodents for flaviviruses 5) NHP in vivo efficacy

Current Research Focus Areas

Focus areas: Cell-based and target-based high-throughput screening; in vivo antiviral efficacy testing; target deconvolution and mechanistic studies. Development stages: our prior work in UNAPP (AVIDD Center) has generated hits, leads, and drug candidates for flaviviruses across multiple stages of development. Several candidates have demonstrated efficacy in rodents with favorable safety profiles. Ongoing work includes novel antiviral strategies to identify new hits.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

1) Medicinal chemists for drug discovery design & lead optimization; 2) AI and ML experts for drug design and profiling; 3) Development and safety, drug formulation/manufacturing/regulatory

Brimrose Technology Corporation

Contact
Yingyun Liu
Location
Sparks, Maryland
Organization Type
  • Startup (Biotech, AI)
Virus Family of Interest
  • Togaviridae
  • Flaviviridae
Expertise
  • Discovery & Design
  • Development / ADME / Safety5

Relevant Technology

We have research experience on drug discovery and development against viruses including HIV, EV71, and SARS-COV2. We previously developed software solutions for search of affinity molecules against pathogenic viruses of pandemic potential.

Current Research Focus Areas

Focus areas include protein affinity analysis in silico and with biochemical and biophysical approaches.

What We’re Seeking in Teaming Partners

AI and clinical resources and providers.

Disclaimer

All information provided within is preliminary and subject to change. Specific criteria and requirements are currently being refined. In the event of any inconsistency, the official SMART Antiviral Prize Terms & Conditions supersede this information.

Program Overview and Rationale

BARDA currently supports multiple efforts to develop therapeutics against several biological threats. One consistent limitation in current medical countermeasure (MCM) preparedness efforts is the lack of successful processes and approaches available to improve the early-stage pipeline for small molecule therapeutics. This aspect of MCM preparedness is particularly challenging given that traditional approaches have not worked well for these types of therapeutics.

Therefore, the goal of this effort is to identify new technical approaches that can address this critical gap in preparedness. Under this effort, approaches are sought that can produce new, safe, and effective small molecules active against a broad range of viruses within one or more viral families. The SMART Antiviral Prize will be composed of four stages, with success in the final stage culminating in an IND-ready candidate prepared to progress to Phase I clinical trials.

We seek to award new innovators and new breakthrough approaches, while encouraging participation from both traditional and non-traditional innovators in order to expand the pool of creative and feasible solutions. The goals of the SMART Antiviral Prize are to address gaps in the current pipeline of therapeutics that can advance into the clinic, as well as identify promising approaches to small molecule development that could be rapidly applied to future threats.

As outlined in the Program Overview and Rationale section, BARDA recognizes the importance of broad-spectrum small molecule antiviral approaches that strengthen the therapeutic pipeline and address critical preparedness gaps. The prize competition model encourages participation from both traditional and non-traditional innovators, expanding the pool of creative and feasible solutions.

Scientific Scope & Eligibility

The SMART Antiviral Prize is limited to traditional small molecule drugs—organic compounds with a molecular weight at or below 900 Daltons that can be chemically synthesized or isolated from natural sources (e.g., plants, animals, minerals). The following are not permitted: biologics (including peptide-based products and antibody–drug conjugates) and nucleic acid-based drugs. Nucleotide and nucleoside analogs are allowed and considered traditional small molecule drugs for the purposes of this prize competition.

Proposed antivirals must directly target highly conserved viral factors (direct-acting antivirals) or proviral host factors required for viral entry, replication, or persistence (indirect-acting antivirals). Products without measurable antiviral activity will not be considered. “Measurable antiviral activity” refers to demonstrated inhibition of viral replication or reduction in viral load in relevant in vitro and in vivo models. Products that act solely through immunomodulatory or symptomatic mechanisms without directly impacting the viral lifecycle will not be considered.

No. The focus of this effort is on new approaches that drive development of small molecules with improved performance characteristics. Developers with more advanced products are encouraged to review open solicitations to identify potential opportunities for BARDA funding.

The SMART Antiviral Prize focuses on identifying antivirals with broad-spectrum activity against the Togaviridae and/or Flaviviridae families.

Both viral families are prioritized by the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) due to their potential to emerge as novel, high-consequence pathogens capable of causing a U.S. public health emergency.  In addition, these viral families were selected based on alignment with BARDA’s published Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) strategy (Johnson et al. 2025) and prioritization frameworks (White et al. 2025; White et al. 2025). Specifically, BARDA’s prioritization framework emphasizes factors such as public health impact, outbreak size and frequency, technical feasibility of development, and readiness of countermeasure approval pathways.

No. Preclinical results are expected to be confirmed using live, non-attenuated viruses or strains, which may include BSL-3 and/or select agents. BSL-4 viruses or strains will not be required due to facility access limitations.

The antiviral candidate should be suitable for treatment of acute, laboratory-confirmed infection caused by viruses within the Flaviviridae and/or Togaviridae families.

Eligibility and Participation Rules

Eligibility requirements can be found in the section above. Concept Stage application details can be found on the Prize Details page. There is no minimum Technology Readiness Level requirement.

No. Stages beyond the Concept Stage will be open to previous entrants, prior prize winners, and new entrants.

Yes. An entrant may enter or re-enter the prize competition at any subsequent stage, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for that stage. For Stages 1–3, entrants must also submit and receive approval of a Declaration of Intent to be eligible for prize awards.

Yes. However, an entrant may only be selected as the prime awardee for one award per stage.

Submission review criteria will be published at the opening of each stage. Submission review criteria for the Concept Stage can be found here. 

Reporting requirements specific to each prize stage will be released at the opening of each stage. For the Concept Stage, winners will have quarterly meetings with VITAL, in which the winner will provide updates on the following topics as they pertain to the proposal: progress on development toward the goals of the proposal, technical achievements and milestones, technical troubleshooting, risks and mitigation planning, intellectual property, regulatory strategy and planning, changes in personnel and cybersecurity updates. Quarterly meetings will follow a template, which will be provided to the winners.

No.

No. USG employees and support contractors are not eligible to be part of a submission in any capacity – whether as primary submitters, team members, collaborators, advisors, or any other role, and whether paid or unpaid. 

Concept Paper Submission Template

Preview the Concept Stage proposal template ahead of submitting an application. This file is for reference only and is not submittable. To submit your proposal, click “Apply Now” at the top of the page.
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Evaluation Process & Criteria

The SMART Antiviral Prize uses a two-stage review process. This document outlines the Evaluation Process & Evaluation Criteria for the Concept Stage.
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Desired Product Attributes

This document outlines Desired Product Attributes that applicants may find useful when shaping antiviral concepts for submission to the SMART Antiviral Prize.

View Document

Target Compound Profile

The SMART Antiviral Prize has outlined the set of target criteria for potential applicants to reach by the end of Stage 1. See this document for more information.

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Launch Event Presentation

Did you miss the SMART Antiviral Launch Event? No worries – explore the presentation shared at the SMART Antiviral Prize launch, covering the challenge vision, priorities, and scientific scope.

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Disclaimer

All information provided within is preliminary and subject to change. Specific criteria and requirements are currently being refined. In the event of any inconsistency, the official SMART Antiviral Prize Terms & Conditions supersede this information.

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