Shashidharamurthy Taval, PhD, professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at PCOM Georgia, is leading research focused on the development of novel antiviral therapies. His work, conducted in collaboration with Vicky Mody, PhD, a medicinal chemist and fellow professor on the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, explores the use of small molecular weight compounds in synergistic combinatorial therapies to address current and future COVID infections.
The research centers on the hypothesis that using combinations of compounds to target multiple viral replication mechanisms may improve treatment outcomes. Specifically, Taval and Mody are evaluating whether these strategies can reduce drug resistance, improve antiviral effectiveness, suppress inflammatory cytokine responses, and minimize toxicity through lower doses of individual agents.
This approach aims to address some of the limitations of monotherapies, such as reduced efficacy against emerging viral variants and the potential for adverse effects at higher dosages, Taval explained.
The research was recently published in Scientific Reports (February 2025), as part of a study that found the compound 9-aminominocycline increases the antiviral effectiveness of EIDD-1931 and PF-332 by targeting the papain-like protease enzyme of SARS-CoV-2. These findings support further evaluation of combination therapies as a possible route toward broad-spectrum antiviral solutions.
“Solving this problem is important because current COVID-19 treatments face challenges like drug resistance, limited spectrum, and dose-related toxicity,” Taval said.
Taval’s interest in research began with a focus on molecular disease mechanisms and evolved into an emphasis on targeted therapies. He notes that PCOM’s support—from research funding to departmental collaboration—has played an important role in advancing this work.
He incorporates elements of this research into his instruction in virology and antiviral pharmacology, helping PCOM School of Pharmacy students connect foundational science with current issues in therapeutic development.
The inclusion of faculty-led research in the PharmD curriculum reflects PCOM’s emphasis on evidence-based education and its commitment to preparing students for diverse roles in clinical, academic, and research settings.
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