As one of medicine’s largest challenges, viral infections often escape vaccines due to their natural ability to mutate rapidly and develop drug resistance easily. Many viruses, such as Zika, Ebola and dengue fever, have grown into major global health epidemics with great human and economic toll. IBM Research and Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology announced that they have identified a new breakthrough macromolecule that could help prevent deadly virus infections with a unique triple-play mechanism that can also help prevent viral drug resistance.
The study exploits supramolecular chemistry – the study of large molecules designed with multiple features — to help combat viral infection. The research is believed to be a first of its kind in fighting viral diseases
The new macromolecule is composed of several specialized components to create a powerful triple-play action that helps fight viral infection and replication while inhibiting drug resistance.
