''One size fits all'' unique drug to eradicate multiple viral species simultaneously from the central nervous system of co-infected individuals

Zika, dengue, chikungunya, HIV and measles claim thousands of victims each year. These viral infections of the central nervous system cause neurological impairment. Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses are spread mainly by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus. Zika virus can get through the blood-placental barrier and then the developing blood-brain barrier of the foetus, causing newborn microcephaly and neurological disorders. Current drug development strategies completely overlook the reality of co-infection for these viruses. The EU-funded NOVIRUSES2BRAIN project will identify and select universal drug candidates that translocate blood-placental and blood-brain barriers to target these viruses, even during pregnancy. This project has international scope, including experts in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, virology and drug development. NOVIRUSES2BRAIN aims to create a drug that clears all viral species from the brain simultaneously.