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ROME, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IRBM, a leader in early drug discovery research, has announced a major scientific breakthrough with the discovery of a novel and potent allosteric inhibitor targeting the Zika virus (ZIKV) protease (NS2B-NS3). The findings, published in Nature Communications (doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-68943-x), demonstrate the molecule's efficacy in preclinical models and represent a promising new approach to combat ZIKV infections.
Mosquito-borne ZIKV poses a serious public health threat due to its association with severe neurological complications. With no approved antivirals or vaccines currently available, there is an urgent need for new treatment options.
IRBM scientists identified a small molecule that binds to a previously uncharacterized allosteric site on the NS2B-NS3 protease, a key enzyme required for viral replication. The inhibitor effectively suppressed protease activity in biochemical and cellular assays and demonstrated significant antiviral activity in animal models. It also exhibited a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile, supporting its potential for clinical development. Notably, this mechanism may extend to other flaviviruses including dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile, suggesting broader therapeutic potential.
IRBM's integrated approach, combining high-content phenotypic screening, computational modeling, mechanistic enzymology, iterative medicinal chemistry, and ADME profiling allowed the team to rapidly advance from initial hit identification to preclinical candidate selection.
"This discovery marks an important milestone in antiviral drug development," said Carlo Toniatti, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at IRBM. "By leveraging cutting-edge medicinal chemistry and integrated screening technologies, our team has delivered a novel ZIKV protease inhibitor with compelling preclinical activity."
The achievement, funded by the Region of Lazio, is the result of a collaborative initiative originating from CNCCS, and it opens a promising path toward targeted antiviral therapies that could fill a critical gap in global public health preparedness. It also reinforces the joint commitment of CNCCS and IRBM to tackle rare and neglected diseases with innovative science.
"Innovation in drug discovery never happens alone. At IRBM, we aim to act as a bridge between academic discoveries and the clinic, and the success of this project demonstrates the impact that effective public–private partnerships can have on advancing new therapies," added Matteo Liguori, CEO and Founder of IRBM.
About IRBM IRBM is a leading research organization specializing in early drug discovery. With decades of expertise and a proven track record of delivering innovative preclinical candidates, IRBM is known for its rigorous, multidisciplinary approach to designing and executing complex experiments for the toughest drug discovery challenges. IRBM advances programs across a wide spectrum of modalities and therapeutic areas, including antivirals, oncology, neuroscience, rare diseases, and beyond.
About CNCCS CNCCS is a public-private consortium between IRBM, CNR, ISS, and the University of La Sapienza, which acts as a lead factory for drug discovery programs, integrating a chemical compound repository with a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform. Its mission is to act as a bridge between academic research and pharmaceutical development, with a particular focus on targeting rare, neglected, and poverty-related diseases.
Website: www.irbm.com
ROME, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IRBM, a leader in early drug discovery research, has announced a major scientific breakthrough with the discovery of a novel and potent allosteric inhibitor targeting the Zika virus (ZIKV) protease (NS2B-NS3). The findings, published in Nature Communications (doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-68943-x), demonstrate the molecule's efficacy in preclinical models and represent a promising new approach to combat ZIKV infections.
Mosquito-borne ZIKV poses a serious public health threat due to its association with severe neurological complications. With no approved antivirals or vaccines currently available, there is an urgent need for new treatment options.
IRBM scientists identified a small molecule that binds to a previously uncharacterized allosteric site on the NS2B-NS3 protease, a key enzyme required for viral replication. The inhibitor effectively suppressed protease activity in biochemical and cellular assays and demonstrated significant antiviral activity in animal models. It also exhibited a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile, supporting its potential for clinical development. Notably, this mechanism may extend to other flaviviruses including dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile, suggesting broader therapeutic potential.
IRBM's integrated approach, combining high-content phenotypic screening, computational modeling, mechanistic enzymology, iterative medicinal chemistry, and ADME profiling allowed the team to rapidly advance from initial hit identification to preclinical candidate selection.
"This discovery marks an important milestone in antiviral drug development," said Carlo Toniatti, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at IRBM. "By leveraging cutting-edge medicinal chemistry and integrated screening technologies, our team has delivered a novel ZIKV protease inhibitor with compelling preclinical activity."
The achievement, funded by the Region of Lazio, is the result of a collaborative initiative originating from CNCCS, and it opens a promising path toward targeted antiviral therapies that could fill a critical gap in global public health preparedness. It also reinforces the joint commitment of CNCCS and IRBM to tackle rare and neglected diseases with innovative science.
"Innovation in drug discovery never happens alone. At IRBM, we aim to act as a bridge between academic discoveries and the clinic, and the success of this project demonstrates the impact that effective public–private partnerships can have on advancing new therapies," added Matteo Liguori, CEO and Founder of IRBM.
About IRBM IRBM is a leading research organization specializing in early drug discovery. With decades of expertise and a proven track record of delivering innovative preclinical candidates, IRBM is known for its rigorous, multidisciplinary approach to designing and executing complex experiments for the toughest drug discovery challenges. IRBM advances programs across a wide spectrum of modalities and therapeutic areas, including antivirals, oncology, neuroscience, rare diseases, and beyond.
About CNCCS CNCCS is a public-private consortium between IRBM, CNR, ISS, and the University of La Sapienza, which acts as a lead factory for drug discovery programs, integrating a chemical compound repository with a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform. Its mission is to act as a bridge between academic research and pharmaceutical development, with a particular focus on targeting rare, neglected, and poverty-related diseases.
Website: www.irbm.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
IRBM Reports Breakthrough in Zika Virus Drug Discovery
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STOCKHOLM, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit EU, the European arm of Bybit and a MiCAR-licensed crypto-asset service provider headquartered in Vienna, is entering a three-year title partnership with the Stockholm Open that will see the tournament compete under the name Bybit Stockholm Open from 2026 through 2028.
The partnership marks a long-term commitment from Bybit EU and provides the historic tennis tournament with a stable partner to support its continued development for players and spectators. As part of the agreement, the tournament will reclaim its classic name, reinforcing its identity and long-standing ties to Stockholm and Swedish tennis.
Bybit views the Nordic region as a strategically important market and considers the Stockholm Open a strong platform for building a lasting presence. Gustav Buder, Regional Partner Nordics at Bybit EU, said the tournament's strong history, high credibility, and audience that values quality and long-term commitment made it a natural fit. He noted that the partnership represents an important step in establishing trust and a durable presence in the Nordic market.
Since its start the Stockholm Open has served as a meeting point for sport, business, and the public, with a long tradition of collaboration with partners from the financial sector. The tournament attracts an audience with a strong interest in finance and business, aligning closely with Bybit EU's profile.
The partnership will enable Bybit to engage its premium client base through the Bybit VIP program, offering select clients curated access to the tournament and bespoke experiences that bridge finance, sport, and long-term value creation.
Rasmus Hult, CEO of Bybit Stockholm Open, said the tournament has extensive experience working with financial partners and views Bybit as a strong, long-term partner that shares its ambition to continue developing the event. He added that jointly reclaiming the tournament's classic name clearly reflects its home and heritage.
Founded in 1969 by former world-class player Sven Davidson, the Stockholm Open is held annually in October at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm. Approximately 30,000 spectators attend the tournament each year. The event is part of the ATP Tour and has in recent years been played under the name Nordic Open.
Bybit EU is part of the Bybit Group, one of the world's fastest-growing crypto platforms with more than 80 million users globally. The company operates under the European Union's MiCAR regulatory framework and offers trading services with a focus on transparency, security, and high technical performance. In 2026, Bybit EU plans to launch its services in the Nordic region.
#BybitEU / #TheCryptoHub
About Bybit EU
Bybit EU GmbH is an Austrian Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorized under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) in Austria. Bybit EU serves customers across the entire European Economic Area (EEA)—with the exception of Malta—via the bybit.eu platform.
Bybit EU GmbH is authorized to offer the following services:
- custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- exchange of crypto-assets for funds;
- exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets;
- placing of crypto-assets; and
- transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.
Bybit EU GmbH is neither the operator of a trading platform for crypto-assets nor provides investment advice.
Media Contact: press@bybit.com
www.bybit.eu
Disclaimer: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to buy or sell digital assets. The products and services mentioned herein are subject to applicable laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions and may not be available in certain regions.
STOCKHOLM, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit EU, the European arm of Bybit and a MiCAR-licensed crypto-asset service provider headquartered in Vienna, is entering a three-year title partnership with the Stockholm Open that will see the tournament compete under the name Bybit Stockholm Open from 2026 through 2028.
The partnership marks a long-term commitment from Bybit EU and provides the historic tennis tournament with a stable partner to support its continued development for players and spectators. As part of the agreement, the tournament will reclaim its classic name, reinforcing its identity and long-standing ties to Stockholm and Swedish tennis.
Bybit views the Nordic region as a strategically important market and considers the Stockholm Open a strong platform for building a lasting presence. Gustav Buder, Regional Partner Nordics at Bybit EU, said the tournament's strong history, high credibility, and audience that values quality and long-term commitment made it a natural fit. He noted that the partnership represents an important step in establishing trust and a durable presence in the Nordic market.
Since its start the Stockholm Open has served as a meeting point for sport, business, and the public, with a long tradition of collaboration with partners from the financial sector. The tournament attracts an audience with a strong interest in finance and business, aligning closely with Bybit EU's profile.
The partnership will enable Bybit to engage its premium client base through the Bybit VIP program, offering select clients curated access to the tournament and bespoke experiences that bridge finance, sport, and long-term value creation.
Rasmus Hult, CEO of Bybit Stockholm Open, said the tournament has extensive experience working with financial partners and views Bybit as a strong, long-term partner that shares its ambition to continue developing the event. He added that jointly reclaiming the tournament's classic name clearly reflects its home and heritage.
Founded in 1969 by former world-class player Sven Davidson, the Stockholm Open is held annually in October at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm. Approximately 30,000 spectators attend the tournament each year. The event is part of the ATP Tour and has in recent years been played under the name Nordic Open.
Bybit EU is part of the Bybit Group, one of the world's fastest-growing crypto platforms with more than 80 million users globally. The company operates under the European Union's MiCAR regulatory framework and offers trading services with a focus on transparency, security, and high technical performance. In 2026, Bybit EU plans to launch its services in the Nordic region.
#BybitEU / #TheCryptoHub
About Bybit EU
Bybit EU GmbH is an Austrian Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorized under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) in Austria. Bybit EU serves customers across the entire European Economic Area (EEA)—with the exception of Malta—via the bybit.eu platform.
Bybit EU GmbH is authorized to offer the following services:
- custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- exchange of crypto-assets for funds;
- exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets;
- placing of crypto-assets; and
- transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.
Bybit EU GmbH is neither the operator of a trading platform for crypto-assets nor provides investment advice.
Media Contact: press@bybit.com
www.bybit.eu
Disclaimer: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to buy or sell digital assets. The products and services mentioned herein are subject to applicable laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions and may not be available in certain regions.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Bybit Named Title Partner of Stockholm Open as Tournament Reclaims Historic identity
