Anika Chebrolu

Indian-American teen scientist who discovered potential drug against SARS-CoV-2

Anika Chebrolu (born 2007) made groundbreaking contributions to medical science at age 14 by discovering a potential antiviral drug candidate against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Her research, conducted during the 2020 pandemic, identified a lead compound that binds to the spike protein of the coronavirus, inhibiting viral replication. This discovery earned her top prizes at the 2021 3M Young Scientist Challenge and Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Using in-silico molecular docking studies, Chebrolu's work focused on the viral RNA polymerase enzyme. Her identified compound demonstrated 10x stronger binding affinity than existing treatments in computational models. Though clinical trials are ongoing, her findings were published in ACS Omega and presented at multiple international conferences.

Born in Frisco, Texas to Indian immigrant parents, Anika's early passion for science led to her winning the 2020 Texas State Science Fair. Her research methodology, combining computational chemistry with virology, has inspired new approaches to drug discovery. She continues her studies at Harvard University while advocating STEM education for girls through her nonprofit STEM4Girls.

Awards include:

• 2021 3M Young Scientist Challenge Grand Prize
• 2021 Regeneron STS Special Award
• 2021 Society for Women's Health Research Rising Star