Interview with Zhiran Wang: Unravelling the Science Behind COVend

The COVend project is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for ARDS, COVID-19 and its complications. The researchers at the heart of this effort are our dedicated partners from University College Dublin, Systems Biology Ireland (UCD-SBI), whose work focuses on understanding vascular damage in ARDS and COVID-19 patients and the potential of the FX06 drug candidate.

In a recent interview with Elina from Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt(GUF), Zhiran Wang, a PhD student from UCD-SBI Elina, shared insights into her research, her journey into the world of medical science, and how she and her colleagues are working to make a difference in the fight against COVID-19.

A Passion for Medical Research

Zhiran’s academic journey started in China, where she developed a strong interest in biomedical research. Her path eventually led her to Ireland, where she is now pursuing a PhD in vascular biology and pharmacology. Her work in COVend is directly linked to her research, focusing on the vascular complications of COVID-19, a key factor in the severity of the disease.

The Role of FX06 in COVID-19 Treatment

One of the core focuses of Zhiran’s research within COVend is studying FX06, a drug candidate that shows promise in treating vascular damage caused by COVID-19. FX06 is derived from a natural protein involved in wound healing, and its anti-inflammatory and endothelial-protective properties make it a strong candidate for reducing vascular complications in severely ill COVID-19 patients. Her research involves both wet lab experiments and data analysis, working closely with clinicians and fellow researchers to test and validate FX06’s effectiveness.

I have been trying to test a drug called FX06, whether it can be considered a therapeutic option for COVID-19 patients who are facing vascular injury, therefore facilitating a better prognosis.” – Zhiran Wang

 

Challenges and Breakthroughs in the Lab

Like many researchers working in biomedical science, Zhiran has faced challenges in her experiments. However, collaborating with experts in different fields, from data scientists to clinical researchers, has helped overcome the hurdles.

” It is always fun to collaborate with other people. Working with other researchers provides a chance to learn new things. ” – Zhiran Wang

Looking Ahead: The Future of COVID-19 Research

Beyond COVID-19, Zhiran believes that the findings from COVend and the research on FX06 could be applied to other diseases that involve vascular damage. The potential applications of this research go far beyond the current pandemic, offering hope for broader medical breakthroughs in the future.

Final Thoughts

Zhiran and the whole UCD-SBI Prof Eissner Group’s journey is a testament to the dedication and passion of scientists working at the forefront of medical research. Their work within COVend is not just about understanding COVID-19 but also about finding real solutions that can save lives and improve treatments for patients worldwide.

 

Watch the full interview with Zhiran Wang below.

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