Biological evaluation of dideoxy bicyclic pyrimidine nucleoside analogues (ddBCNAs) with [L] chirality as novel cell-targeting antivirals active versus measles and other viruses affected by the same MoA

We were recently able to show, that ddBCNAs with unnatural [L] chirality represent promising antiviral candidates versus measles and poxviruses, and suggested a mechanism of action based on a cellular target (1). Cellular target antivirals are well suited for treatment of highly mutable RNA viruses, with pre-existing resistance to specific antivirals in quasispecies, eg HIV/HCV, and would also work versus measles virus resistant to RNApol inhibitors (eg ERDRP-0519, 2). We propose to i. pursue MoA using a recently developed transfection model for measles, ii. further evaluate the activity versus other viruses, iii. establish a small animal model – and if successful, prepare for clinical testing.

This is a 3 year SER-NRN Welsh Government funded studentship. The successful applicant will receive fees and a stipend. Interviews are to take place in January 2015, with April 2015 the latest possible start date.
The studentship is part-funded by an International scholarship award, so only international (non-EU/UK) applicants can apply. Applicants should have, or be expecting to receive, a 2.1 Hons degree in a relevant subject, holders of veterinary science degrees will have an advantage, and score at least 6.5 in the IELTS language test.

J. J. Bugert, Senior Lecturer in Virology at Cardiff University, has a long track record of experimental virology, with expertise in vitro in cell culture systems and in vivo in small animal models.
C. McGuigan, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry of Cardiff University, has a long history and an extensive experience in drug design, with 3 agents having progressed from the lab to clinical trials.

The project will be supported by state-of-the-art facilities and instruments available to the BUGERT lab group: Virus infection models are established in MEDIC biocontainment level 2 & level 3 laboratories. The McGuigan lab supports the project with optimized compounds. The lab has access through ongoing projects to MEDIC CORE support and to the Heath Park JBIOS facility, including imaging machinery. The Antivirals Program of Work has been notified to HSE.
Postgraduate students are expected to present in weekly group meetings with presentation of new data and published work and attend the weekly Institute meeting. Cardiff University School of Medicine is a top level research institution with 4* returns in RAE 2008 and In REF 2013. Travel and secondment will be arranged with industrial partners.

Please send a CV and a covering letter in the first instance to [Email Address Removed]