compound
A substance with a defined chemical structure.
Technical: BiotechnologyDrug Discovery / Pharmaceutical Research
In drug discovery, a compound refers to a molecule that is being investigated for its potential therapeutic effects. Chemists synthesize and test various compounds to identify those that interact with specific biological targets, such as proteins or enzymes, in a way that can treat or prevent disease.
COVID Moonshot
A global collaboration focused on rapidly developing effective treatments for COVID-19.
Programmatic: BiotechnologyDrug Discovery / Public Health Initiative
The COVID Moonshot is an international initiative aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of safe and effective therapies for COVID-19. It involves researchers, scientists, and organizations from around the world working together to identify promising drug candidates, conduct clinical trials, and manufacture vaccines and treatments at scale.
SARS-CoV-2
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Scientific: Biotechnology, Public HealthVirology / Infectious Disease
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. It is a type of coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.
Mpro
Main viral protease
Scientific: Biotechnology, PharmaceuticalsVirology / Structural Biology
Mpro (main viral protease) is an enzyme crucial for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. It plays a role in processing viral proteins, enabling the virus to assemble new particles and spread infection.
viral protease
An enzyme produced by viruses that is essential for their replication.
Scientific: Biotechnology, PharmaceuticalsVirology / Antivirals
Viral proteases are enzymes found in viruses that play a critical role in their life cycle. They cleave viral proteins, allowing the virus to assemble new particles and spread infection.
open science
A movement advocating for open access to research data and findings.
Philosophical: Academia, BiotechnologyResearch Practices / Data Sharing
Open science promotes transparency and collaboration in research by making data, methods, and publications freely accessible. This approach aims to accelerate scientific discovery and ensure that knowledge is shared widely.
patent-free
Not protected by patents.
Legal: Pharmaceuticals, BiotechnologyIntellectual Property / Drug Development
Patent-free refers to inventions or technologies that are not covered by intellectual property rights. This allows for wider access and use without the need to obtain permission from patent holders.
SARS-CoV-2 main viral potease (Mpro) with ligand bound, from the RCSB.