New York: Columbia University will jointly develop potential antiviral drugs and antibodies against the novel coronavirus that could prevent virus replication.

In a statement University explained Four teams of researchers from Columbia University will jointly develop potential antiviral drugs and antibodies against the novel coronavirus. Researchers will pursue four different approaches to develop drugs or antibodies that could prevent the virus from replication. Each approach will draw on prior knowledge and expertise that the scientists have gained while working on successful antiviral therapies against HIV and hepatitis C.

David D. Ho, founding scientific director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and professor of medicine at Columbia, said the four approaches will lead to the development of a broad spectrum antiviral drug or antibody that could be effective against a wide range of current and future coronaviruses.

"We're undertaking this work with a great sense of urgency because of the nature of the current coronavirus outbreak," he said, adding: "But we are also thinking ahead to what we may confront in the future."

The four teams will share a $2.1 million grant awarded by the China-based Jack Ma Foundation. As part of the project, the scientists will collaborate with academic researchers in China who are fighting to control the outbreak.