Antiviral drug evaluation with activity against SARS-CoV-2

Fernando Bastida, PhD

Head of the Molecular Biology Laboratory ‑ Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública

In 2006, Fernando joined the Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública as Clinical technician. There, he supported the molecular characterization of virus like Rabies and Zika resulting in scientific publications and the development of a strong molecular biology team. After his stay in CDC USA, he started his research in SARS‑CoV‑2 supporting the implementation of the molecular diagnosis and new technology like ddPCR. Thanks to his great experience, now he is leading SARS‑CoV‑2 research in collaboration with scientist groups in Mexico to get better understanding of the COVID‑19 infection in qPCR negative cases, anti‑drug activity of some compounds and multi‑infection cases. Fernando holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemist Biologist from Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, a Master of Health Science and a PhD in Medicine Research from Instituto Politécnico Nacional.