IBM Creates Macromolecule Used to Combat Drug-Resistant Viruses

Often times in the world of medicine, resolvable conundrums are brought to the attention of doctors and scientists alike, but one particular challenge that medical scholars have struggled with are the drug resistant mutations in viruses. This problem has led to uncontrollable outbreaks of a variety of diseases such as Zika, Ebola, and influenza A, hence leading to rising death tolls and significant economic damage.

International Business Machines (IBM) and Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) may have found a solution.

IBM Research and IBN recently discovered a new macromolecule with triple-play action to assist in fighting virus infection as well as drug resistance.

A specified component of the macromolecule enables strong hydrogen bonds to use electrostatic interactions to attract proteins on the viruses’ surface, consequently immobilizing any viral ability and preventing healthy cells from being infected.

Along with the attraction method, preventative measures are taken as well. The macromolecule’s mannose binds to the healthy immune cell receptors to assist in fighting the infection and allows naturally protective cells to gush throughout the body without restriction.

Finally, basic amine groups in the macromolecule neutralize the pH level within the viral cell, hence disallowing replication.

Dr. Yi Yan Yang from the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore, empathically spoke of the benefits available in the groundbreaking macromolecule.

“We have created an anti-viral macromolecule that can tackle wily viruses by blocking the virus from infecting cells, regardless of mutations,” Dr. Yang said. “It is not toxic to healthy cells and is safe to use. This promising research advance represents years of hard work and collaboration with a global community of researchers.”

IBM is continuing to make advancements in this research with the assistance of cognitive computing tools such as IBM Watson. Because of cognitive computing, IBM Watson draws connections between disparate data sets, which can rapidly lead to new insights. IBM Watson also can find eligible patients for potentially life-saving clinical trials, leading to efficient patient recruitment. The tools to reach respective patients are available; now the product delivered to the patients must be effective.

This macromolecule has already shown significant results when tested with viruses such as Ebola, dengue, Marburg, influenza, Chikungunya, Enterovirus 71, and herpes simplex. Though it is still early in the testing process, scientists have seen no resistance.

James Hedrick, lead IBM researcher of advanced organic materials, said, "With the recent outbreak of viruses such as Zika and Ebola, achieving anti-viral breakthroughs becomes even more important.

"We are excited about the possibilities that this novel approach represents, and are looking to collaborate with universities and other organizations to identify new applications."