ERLY Antivirals

Carnegie Mellon University

Our lab has developed novel broad-spectrum antivirals for treatment of all nine human and several animal herpesviruses that overcomes drug resistance. We have shown that the pressurized state of the viral packaged genome is a target for antiviral therapies. This pressurized DNA state in herpesvirus capsid shell (exerting tens of atmospheres of pressure) is responsible for DNA ejection into a cell nucleus, causing infection. Several lead compounds that "turn off" capsid pressure and block viral genome ejection into a cell have demonstrated superior efficacy and safety in testing conducted at the NIH/NIAID. Although high activity has been shown with all human herpesviruses and several animal herpesviruses, our focus will be on treatment of human cytomegalovirus and MDV (Marek’s disease virus in poultry). For HCMV treatment, the market is dominated by generics, such as ganciclovir and foscarne, that have low efficacy and safety profiles. For MDV, no treatments are available.

CorePower Magnetics

Carnegie Mellon University

Magnets form the core of a wide variety of power electronic devices including motors, inductors and transformers. New magnetic materials are needed to meet the high performance requirements for grid modernization (solid state transformers, PV inductors, sensors); for EVs and aviation (inductors, sensors, motors); and for industrial motor controls (inductors, sensors).

AirViz

Carnegie Mellon University

Airviz works with Fortune 500 companies who are typically struggling with air quality problems in safety, employee wellness, product quality control, and decreased manufacturing yield. Air quality sensing is a $240MM market, with a 14.3% CADR above $500 M by 2024. There is a global, growing need for affordable sensor networks in homes, office spaces, urban and rural communities to capture actionable air quality data and predictions. Airviz builds air quality sensors and sensor networks, including 24/7 pollution mapping and real-time alerts to help decrease regulatory fines, increase yield, improve safety metrics, and address employee wellness for low-turnover and high satisfaction. Many of the air quality sensors on the market now do not have IoT capability and require a safety engineer to walk around and spot check air pollution with expensive instruments. With our smart calibration techniques, managers can use automated air quality sensor networks that give smart, actionable information and help save money.