SPIRAVIRE Consortium
The SPIRAVIRE consortium aims to develop innovative, broad-spectrum, host-directed antivirals against respiratory diseases caused by RNA viruses based on spiro-β-lactam compounds. This effort was prompted by the landmark discovery that some spiro-β-lactams have remarkable activity against diverse viruses, including HIV-1, HIV-2, influenza A and B viruses and SARS-CoV-2. The urgency for such broad-spectrum antivirals is highlighted by the need to improve global preparedness for potential epidemics caused by RNA respiratory viruses.
Get to know us!
Egas Moniz School of Health & Science (CiiEM)
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Responsible for the overall coordination and management of the SPIRAVIRE project, ensuring effective collaboration among consortium partners and the implementation of the project’s scientific and administrative activities.
Coimbra Chemistry Center (CQC)
Group of Organic Chemistry
(PI: Prof. Teresa Pinho e Melo)
Responsible for the production and optimization of spiro-β-lactams for better antiviral efficacy and medicinal chemistry properties.
iMed.ULisboa (Faculty of Pharmacy, ULisboa)
HEEP group
(PI: Prof. Nuno Taveira)
Evaluating antiviral activity across human and zoonotic respiratory viruses with pandemic potential.
Católica Biomedical Research Center (CBR)
Cell Biology of Viral Infection Laboratory
(PI: Prof. Marta Alenquer)
Strengthening defenses against emerging viral respiratory infections and global health threats.