Originally published on marketwatch.com
Aug 12, 2020 (TS Newswire via Comtex) -- Professor at the University of Texas in Austin, Dr. Kevin Dalby, guides his laboratory in finding a drug solution for COVID-19 and for future global pandemics to come.
In the fight against the pandemic of COVID-19, Dr. Kevin Dalby and his research laboratory based in Austin, Texas, are spearheading a different approach to tackling the coronavirus. Rather than focusing on a vaccine to prevent the spread of the virus, his laboratory concentrates on developing therapeutic strategies that may reduce the spread of COVID-19 and future infections among the population.
Dr. Dalby is one of the frontline experts representing the University of Texas in Austin in response to the coronavirus pandemic. He is a professor of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry at the College of Pharmacy at the UT. His work has been recognized by both the National Institutes of Health and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), resulting in grants to support his laboratory and advancement of his research.
Through his work as a director of The Targeted Therapeutic Drug Discovery & Development Program (TTP), Dr. Dalby and his laboratory use their research on cancer cell signaling to identify and create targeted pharmaceutical strategies. The Dalby laboratory is focused on identifying molecules that will block viral entry into human cells, in hopes to learn and advance therapeutic strategies that will work for COVID-19 and potential future pandemics across the world.
With many years' worth of experience put to use, Dr. Dalby and his laboratory have curated a collection of compounds that they have been utilizing in biochemical and cell-based trials against the specific strain of COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2. The ultimate goal of the lab is to uncover novel molecules that are capable of blocking the entry of the most lethal forms of SARS-CoV-2 into the cells of humans.
As the spread of COVID-19 continues, the death rate has surpassed more than 700,000 deaths since the outbreak began in late 2019. Research has continued to show that the virus, SARS-CoV-2, is capable of spreading quickly. While other strains of the coronavirus have often been correlated with the common cold, there have been other instances other the last couple decades in which specific strains have become lethal to the human population.
While immense effort and research have gone towards developing a vaccine for the current virus, COVID-19, a vaccine may not be a solution for future pandemics. The goal of Dr. Dalby's research and laboratory is to help find strategies that not only can identify a treatment for COVID-19, but also enable the medical field to better prepare for deadly viruses in the future.
Until the ultimate cure is found, the best solution to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus is to continue to adhere to the guidance on social distancing protocols, keeping hands washed, and good hygiene.
About Dr. Kevin Dalby
Dr. Kevin Dalby is a professor of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, currently working on cancer drug discovery. At the College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas, he is examining the mechanisms of nature and cancer to develop new treatments, and teaching and motivating students to conduct research. Dalby is optimistic about the future of cancer treatments.