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FLUPHARM

Dr Stephen Cusack

Scientific Coordinator of FLUPHARM, based at European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Grenoble, France

Research field

Infection and Immunity

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Who?

Stephen Cusack is a Structural Biologist. "The flu virus and its host cell interact through powerful detection and defence mechanisms, much like a molecular warfare", he explains. "I try to understand how the virus multiplies and adapts to different species, so that we can develop new drugs."

Why?

The rapidly mutating flu viruses are an on-going threat to global health. They could evolve into more dangerous strains. Several flu strains are already resistant to currently available drugs. We are developing new medications that target different viral proteins. These drugs are less likely to foster resistance.

What?

The goal of FLUPHARM is to discover new drug candidates to treat the flu. Flu is caused by influenza viruses. Our researchers are specifically focused on designing new molecules that block the protein 'RNA polymerase' in influenza viruses. This protein is crucial for the replication of the virus and the spread of infection.

How?

FLUPHARM brings together twelve academic research institutions and small to medium-sized enterprises from six European countries. The teams have complementary expertise on influenza polymerase and drug development. Together, they design new drug candidates and test their potential efficacy against different flu strains.

Designing new drugs to treat the flu

Graphical representation of the active site of the RNA polymerase protein of a virus (in green), with a blocking molecule bound to it

Image credit: EMBL/Cusack

Graphical representation of the detailed structure of the two active sites of the RNA polymerase protein

Image credit: EMBL/Cusack

Video: structure of the complex of the RNA (yellow line) and the proteins necessary for its maintenance and replication (nucleoproteins and RNA polymerase – in blue, red and white)

Video credit: CSIC/Juan Ortin

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Visit the official website of the Flupharm project Learn more about the Cusack group at EMBL-Grenoble EMPERIE: another European project on influenza

PDF version

Background image: FLUPHARM

Portrait of the project coordinator: FLUPHARM

Timeline (in chronological order): 1898: Wikipedia; 1918: USArmy photographer; 1968-69: UC Davis; 2009: C.S. Goldsmith and A. Balish, CDC