Peptide macrocycle decoys against COVID-19 viral spike protein [Added supplement: COVID-19 Variant Supplement]

Peptides are potent, easy-to-synthesize, and synthetically accessible molecules that can specifically interact with pathogens. Peptides have been used to treat diabetes, neuropathic pain, cancer, and HIV. As chemists we have very recently invented news ways to make peptides both more potent as well as fluorescent in order to see where they go and how they act. We are poised to interface our technology with molecular modelling to synthesize peptides that will intercept the virus before it can enter a cell. These peptides can be injected or nasally delivered for therapy and can be used prior to vaccine development or in cases where certain patients cannot be vaccinated.