NIH Center
The Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Discovery Initiative AViDD Center (READDI-AC) is an NIH-funded public-private partnership focused on developing effective antiviral drugs to combat emerging viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent outbreaks like monkeypox and Sudan Ebolavirus have demonstrated the urgent need for effective antiviral therapies. Unfortunately, there are few if any antiviral drugs for many dangerous virus families. To address this challenge, the READDI-AC platform brings together cutting-edge academic scientists and industry drug development expertise to develop broad spectrum antiviral drugs for four virus families of pandemic concern: coronaviruses, flaviviruses, filoviruses, and alphaviruses.
Funders
The READDI-AC is one of nine Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Centers funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health. The NIH AViDD Centers play a crucial role in preparing for future viral threats. By accelerating the development of effective antiviral therapies, these centers contribute to global preparedness and the protection of public health in the face of viral outbreaks. To learn more about the AViDD Centers, visit this page.
- 40 Principal Investigators
- 23 Research Sites
- 5 Countries
Our Mission
The response to viral outbreaks has historically been reactive – vaccines and medications are developed only after a new virus emerges. Our mission is to proactively prepare for emerging viruses by developing antiviral drugs that are active against more than one virus in a family. These broad-spectrum antivirals will help safeguard the well-being of communities worldwide against existing viruses and will be more likely to be effective against future novel viruses in the same family.
Our mission is to have safe, effective treatments ready for immediate use on Day 1 when the next virus emerges.
Open Science
READDI-AC adopts the open science approach of the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) for our early-stage discovery campaigns. READDI-AC shares data on our validated hits with SGC’s Open Chemistry Networks in real-time, enabling collaboration, idea-sharing, and the formation of a community focused on advancing promising compounds. See our public compound portfolio here.
This open science approach stimulates innovation and maximizes the collective knowledge and expertise of the scientific community. The commitment to open science also facilitates access to innovative technologies and approaches through collaborations with major pharmaceutical and biotech companies. By sharing information and resources, READDI-AC enhances global health pandemic preparedness and contributes to the collective global effort to combat emerging viruses.
READDI-AC will leverage open science to support the discovery of antiviral drugs that are affordable and available to all.”