The research project focused on studying small-molecule drug compounds that are already approved and used as treatments that could potentially be repurposed for COVID-19. Specifically, the researchers wanted to identify small-molecule compounds that could disrupt the S1 spike protein and host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor that must bind together to permit SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Using the AlphaLisa assay, the NCATS team screened over 3,000 molecular entities and narrowed them down to 25 quality therapeutic compounds. The work is now published on the NCATS Open Data Portal. The team is conducting additional testing to select molecules and share them with the scientific community.

AlphaLisa technology is a homogeneous, no-wash assay that generates a light emission in response to a biomolecular interaction which results in proximity of the bead-binding complex. The platform can be used to detect and quantitate biomolecules of almost any size and complexity. Its bead-based, luminescent signal amplification provides high sensitivity, a wide dynamic range, and potential assay miniaturization.