IBM Research and Singapore’s Bioengineering Institute develop anti-viral technology

The new macromolecule features various specialized components that create a triple-play action to avoid drug resistance.

A specialized component of the macromolecule allows better hydrogen bonds with electrostatic interactions to attract the proteins on the virus surface. It disables viral ability to infect healthy cells.

The macromolecule’s mannose parts bind directly to healthy immune cell receptors to help fight viral infection and enable the free flow of the naturally protective cells.

Another component of the macromolecule, dubbed basic amine groups, make the viral cell inhospitable for replication by neutralizing the pH present inside it.

The researchers intended to design a flexible macromolecule and surveyed several representative viruses from various categories such as Ebola, dengue, Marburg, influenza, Chikungunya, Enterovirus 71 and herpes simplex.

Scientists have seen no resistance in early testing. IBM said by targeting viral proteins and host-virus interactions, the antiviral macromolecule sidesteps the normal mutations that allow viruses to escape vaccines via the onset of resistance.

IBM Research – Almaden lead researcher of advanced organic materials James Hedrick said: "With the recent outbreak of viruses such as Zika and Ebola, achieving anti-viral breakthroughs becomes even more important.

"We are excited about the possibilities that this novel approach represents, and are looking to collaborate with universities and other organizations to identify new applications."

The initial research can be undertaken further using further IBM cognitive computing tools.

IBM Watson Discovery Advisor can draw connections between disparate data sets to accelerate new insights as the macromolecule progresses to the clinical trial stage.