Antiviral Drug Research

Although a limited number of antiviral drugs are available for clinical use, the majority of viral infections still lack specific treatments due to the absence of effective antiviral therapies. The Department of Antiviral Research (DAV) will be dedicated to addressing this critical gap by developing advanced antiviral assays, identifying novel antiviral compounds, and improving existing drugs. Our research will be closely aligned with clinical applications, and we will actively collaborate with clinical departments to ensure that our findings translate into tangible therapeutic solutions. By tapping into the rich medicinal plant biodiversity of Kerala, DAV will aim to discover and develop antiviral treatments that meet global standards and regulatory requirements. 

Our research will also focus on the early-stage identification and validation of novel viral targets, with the goal of discovering small molecules and biotherapeutics that can effectively block these targets.To accelerate the development of promising drug candidates, DAV will collaborate with industry partners, utilizing their extensive chemical libraries and expertise to expedite the drug discovery process. This strategic collaboration will allow us to efficiently advance drug candidates through the product development pipeline. Through these integrated efforts, DAV will be poised to make a transformative impact in the fight against viral infections, translating scientific discoveries into real-world solutions with global implications.

Dr. Jithesh Kottur

Scientist C

Dr. Neethu R S

Project scientist

neethurs@d1.iav.res.in

Ms. Krishnalekha J

Ph.D. Student

krishanlekhaj@d1.iav.res.in

Ms. Farha Salim

PhD student

farhasalim@d1.iav.res.in

Ms. Sadiya N S

Project Associate

sadiyans123@gmail.com