Shilu Malakar

My research focuses on the development of a cell-based drug screening system, aimed at identifying potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has led to widespread illness, hospitalizations, and deaths worldwide. Developing drug screening systems serves as invaluable tools in the race against time, allowing us to swiftly evaluate potential therapeutics and identify promising candidates for further development.

In our laboratory, we are working on developing a live cell platform equipped with a specialized biosensor tailored for high-throughput screening of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. This innovative approach, employing a gain-of-signal assay, directly targets the virus’s highly conserved protease, a crucial element in viral replication. Such assays will facilitate the discovery and development of antiviral against SARS CoV-2 to alleviate the impact of the disease.

• Thomas Melendy, PhD

• PhD, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand