A 19-Year-Old Chemist Turned a Perfume Ingredient Into a Lifesaving Drug
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story:
19-year-old Adam Kovalčík has created a stronger—and much cheaper—version of a powerful emerging medication known as galidesivir.
Instead of starting out with the sugar, which is normally used in the production of this drug, he rebuilt the formula with a base molecule of corn alcohol.
This change increases efficiency and cuts costs by reducing production steps and using inexpensive materials.
We live in the aftermath of a global pandemic. Leftover COVID-19 trauma and world news updates reporting outbreaks of Zika or Ebola have made us apprehensive about viruses, and most of us have been vigilant about being vaccinated and re-vaccinated. But what about when preventative measures aren't enough? What happens if a virus invades us before we can get to a vaccine?
Adam Kovalčík is only 19, but the high school senior at Gymnázium Nové Zámky in Slovakia he has created something beyond what anyone would expect of someone his age. He has managed to turn an alcohol derived from corncobs and husks into galidesivir, an antiviral drug that targets RNA viruses like Zika and Ebola. Generating the drug this way, in his words, 'could potentially save tens of thousands of lives.' Kovalčík recently won the $100,000 Genrge D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award at the 2025 Regeneration International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Galidesivir is the human-synthesized version of adenosine, which itself is a nucleoside—the components of nuclei acids. Among other biochemical functions, they are involved in storing and transferring genetic information. Adenosine is also an inhibitor of the enzyme RNA polymerase, which interferes with the function of certain enzymes in RNA viruses. The adenosine produced by our our bodies can inhibit RNA viruses (which clone their genomes in order to keep producing infinite copies of themselves), but it usually needs a boost when faced with potentially fatal pathogens like Ebola and Zika. This is where galidesivir comes in.
Though not yet approved by the FDA, in vitro and animal tests have shown that galidesivir increases survival rates and has few side effects, which is why it is also being considered for treating COVID-19. It binds to the molecules that viruses use to clone themselves, making that function no longer accessible to the virus. The problem with galidesivir is that it costs $75 per gram (0.035 ounce) to produce, making the cost of a future prescription almost unfathomable, especially considering the state of healthcare. Kovalčík's process could bring that cost down to $12.50 per gram.
Why is galidesivir so expensive? There is an extra step in the production of the most powerful form of this drug that ultimately affects the cost. When drugs are being developed, unwanted materials—such as variants of that drug—often end up in the first batch. These variants, or stereoisomers, have the same molecular formula as the finished drug, but their atoms form molecules in different arrangements. Kovalčík wanted to synthesize cis-OH galidesivir because it is 20 times stronger than its stereoisomer trans-OH galidesivir, so the trans version needs to be separated out to isolate the cis version. Separation involves extras steps that take extra time and cost more.
Kovalčík used his experience working on perfumes in a chemistry lab to figure out how to synthesize galidesivir in a different way. He needed a starter molecule—typically, sugar is used for galidesivir, but sugar would just repeat the existing process, which was not efficient enough. Perfume taught Kovalčík that some scent compounds used furfural alcohol (corn alcohol) as a starter molecule, so he rebuilt the drug using it as the replacement starter molecule and was able to reduce the production steps from 15 to 10. Using corn alcohol also lowered the cost.
This production method is not restricted to galidevisir—it could create other antivirals. Kovalčík used computer models to design new molecules that were supposed to operate in the same way as galidesivir, and one molecule he came up with (ADK-98) had the potential to be even more effective. The furfural alcohol distilled from corn would be the base for these future drugs.
Kovalčík plans to continue refining his research and development process for this and other potential antivirals in collaboration with the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.
And to think, this all started with a realization that came from molecules in perfume. Think about that with your next spritz of Dior Homme or Chanel No. 5.
You Might Also Like
The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape
The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere
Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
GE HealthCare (GEHC) Introduces AI-Powered Digital X-Ray System
GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC) is one of the 11 Best Under-the-Radar Stocks to Buy Right Now. On July 24, GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC) announced the commercial launch of a new advanced digital X-ray system called Definium Pace Select ET. This floor-mounted digital X-ray system is designed to offer high-image quality and increased efficiency in highly demanding environments. hin255/ According to the report by GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC), the Definium Pace Select ET automates manual, repetitive tasks and reduces physical strain on technologists. The system leverages AI to make sure patients are positioned accurately while also providing consistent image quality across various clinical conditions. It makes the technologist's work easier and improves the experience for patients. This new system is built on GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GEHC) trusted Definium platform. It offers advanced automation and workflow features on a flexible, floor-mounted system with an elevating table, in-room exam control, and a user-friendly interface to help technologists. GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GEHC) is a global medical technology company that provides digital infrastructure, data analytics, and decision support tools to help in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients. While we acknowledge the potential of GEHC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 11 Best Revenue Growth Stocks to Buy Now and 14 Best Aggressive Growth Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
How we review dietary supplements at Yahoo
The dietary supplements market is booming — and shows no signs of slowing down. According to Precedence Research, the global dietary supplements market is expected to nearly double, climbing from $203 billion in 2025 to over $400 billion by 2034. This rapid growth means more choices to suit a wide range of goals and budgets. But it also makes it harder than ever to tease out which supplements are actually safe, effective and worth your hard-earned cash. Supplements — true to their name — are meant to supplement a balanced diet, helping fill any nutritional gaps that may be difficult for some individuals to meet through food alone. They can play an important role, which is why our nutrition experts review them (carefully!). Still, it's important to acknowledge the industry's potential pitfalls and stress the importance of talking to a health care professional before adding any supplements to your diet — especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medications or managing an illness. At Yahoo, we're committed to helping you make informed choices about your health and wellness. All of our supplement content is reviewed — and often written — by registered dietitians, bridging the gap between scientific research and everyday decisions with expert-backed, evidence-based insights. We also know that real-world experience matters. That's why we dig through online reviews and, whenever possible, test products ourselves. Here's a deep dive into why we take supplement content so seriously — and how we choose the products we recommend. What are dietary supplements? According to the Food and Drug Administration, a dietary supplement is a product taken by mouth and intended to supplement ingredients that are either missing or inadequate in your diet, such as vitamins or minerals. You'll usually find these products in the form of capsules, softgels, tablets, liquids or powders. They must be labeled as a "dietary supplement" on the front of the bottle, and the full label must also include a "Supplement Facts" panel outlining the serving size and amount of each dietary ingredient. Supplements are often marketed with specific health claims — like "boosts immune health" or "promotes restful sleep" — to describe how the ingredient affects the body. However, supplements are not permitted to claim diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of disease. If these types of claims are made, the label must also carry a mandatory disclaimer explaining that these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Some supplements contain just one active ingredient, while others combine multiple, such as: Vitamins (for example, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid) Minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron) Herbs or botanicals (ginseng, chamomile, black cohosh) Fatty acids (omega-3s) Amino acids and proteins (creatine, collagen, leucine) Fiber and prebiotics (psyllium husk, inulin, wheat dextrin) Antioxidants (CoQ10, resveratrol, lutein) It's important to emphasize that while supplements may contain health-supportive messaging, these products are not intended to replace medical treatment, nor should they be used as the sole approach to diagnose or manage disease. Potential safety concerns When it comes to dietary supplements, it's important to remember that they are not guaranteed to be safe or effective — and that the supplement industry often operates like the Wild West, with serious implications. Unlike prescription or over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements do not require approval by the FDA for safety or effectiveness before they reach the market. This means products can be sold without solid proof that they work — and, in some cases, without actually containing the types or amounts of ingredients listed on the label. The risks can range from mild to severe: On one end, you might take a supplement that simply doesn't deliver the intended benefit or is slightly underdosed. On the other end, you could unknowingly ingest toxic levels of certain nutrients or unlisted, potentially unsafe ingredients. That's why it's essential to choose supplements from reputable brands that test their products throughout the manufacturing process. This helps ensure the final product contains exactly what's listed on the label — in terms of both ingredient types and their amounts — and nothing extra. These purity and potency tests also screen for contaminants such as heavy metals. While some supplement companies offer little to no transparency about their testing, others provide more assurance by one of two methods: Using third-party laboratories to verify their product quality Conducting in-house testing through certified labs that are regularly audited to maintain strict safety and quality standards The gold standard, however, is third-party certification from trusted organizations, such as: NSF U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) UL Solutions Informed Choice Choosing supplements that carry these seals can give you more confidence in their quality, purity and accuracy — providing you with an added layer of trust. Also keep in mind that supplements aren't always safe or appropriate for everyone — especially children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those with certain chronic conditions. Some ingredients, particularly herbs, can also interact with medications, potentially causing harmful effects. Because of these risks, it's essential to consult a trusted health care professional — such as your primary care provider or a registered dietitian — before starting any new supplement. They can help you determine whether the ingredients and dosages are safe and appropriate for your specific needs. How we review supplements When it comes to research on dietary supplements, we won't sugarcoat it: It's a tricky space. After all, many factors influence health, and what works for one group might not work for another. That's where we come in. Our mission is to cut through the noise and highlight products with genuine scientific support, not just marketing hype. For example, while ingredients like zinc and magnesium are well researched for addressing deficiencies, that doesn't mean every product containing them is effective, especially if the dosages or formulations differ from those studied. We feature products backed by solid evidence, and we're always up front when more research is needed. Before any Yahoo supplement review reaches your feed, it's thoroughly vetted by a registered dietitian and evaluated against the following criteria: Evidence-based ingredients: Even if there's no research on the specific product, we examine whether its individual ingredients are supported by high-quality studies. For multi-ingredient formulas, we also assess how those ingredients interact — whether they've been shown to work well together or, in some cases, interfere with one another. Dosage and bioavailability: We scrutinize dosage levels, evaluating them for safety and effectiveness, noting when nutrients are present in forms that are easier for the body to absorb. Label transparency: We look for clear labeling of all ingredient types and amounts, and we're cautious of products with proprietary blends that obscure exact quantities. Third-party testing: We prioritize products that have undergone credible third-party testing for purity and potency by organizations like NSF and USP. Health claims: We approach product claims with a healthy dose of skepticism, seeking to substantiate any health claims with high-quality, independent research — prioritizing peer-reviewed, double-blind, well-controlled studies. Safety concerns: We consider potential safety risks and side effects, evaluating whether a product is appropriate — or a no-go — for certain populations. We also favor products that are non-GMO, organic, have short ingredient lists, are low in added sugars and avoid unnecessary additives or fillers. Within each category, we may highlight options that meet specific dietary needs — for example, vegan or gluten-free — recognizing how important these factors are to many individuals. Our approach to testing Expert approval matters, but so does personal experience. A supplement should not only meet high standards of safety and efficacy, but also be something you can realistically take on a regular basis. That's why, once a registered dietitian has fully reviewed a product's ingredients and claims, we take a purposeful approach to testing — making sure it's evaluated by someone representative of the target demographic. For example, prenatal vitamins are tested by someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, and men's multivitamins are tested by men. We're also realistic about what we can and can't measure. Everyone's body responds differently, so the benefits — or side effects — our testers experience may not mirror your own. While we aim to offer valuable expert insights, we can't guarantee the same results for every individual. In addition to sharing their overall impressions, testers complete detailed questionnaires addressing: Form: Is it easy to take? Directions: Were the instructions clear and easy to follow? Taste: How did it taste? Any lingering aftertaste? Side effects: Was it easy to tolerate? Value: How does it compare in quality and price to similar products? Recommendation: Would they continue taking it or purchase it again? Continuous review process The supplement space evolves rapidly — from new research and formulation changes to recalls and price changes. Our team of health experts stays on top of these shifts and makes updates to our supplement content as needed. When an article is refreshed, you'll find an "Update" note at the end of the introduction, indicating the date and summarizing any notable changes. Our editorial standards We understand how important supplements can be for your health — and the risks that come with them. That's why we pair expert guidance with real tester feedback and uphold strict editorial standards. While testers may occasionally receive products for free from the brands they're reviewing, all opinions and evaluations are entirely independent. Read more about our editorial standards and review process for health products. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Health Line
2 hours ago
- Health Line
Do GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Cause Vision Loss? What to Know
Studies have linked GLP-1 medications to various eye conditions, some of which may lead to vision loss. Despite these findings, a clear link has yet to be established, and much of the evidence remains inconsistent. People should be aware of potential eye disease and blindness risks when discussing a GLP-1 with their doctor. The debate over whether GLP-1 medications raise the risk of eye conditions that could lead to vision loss continues. Scientists have been closely studying this association as more people turn to these widely prescribed drugs for weight management. Some studies have suggested a link, but the overall evidence has been inconsistent. However, when a potential side effect becomes as serious as vision loss or blindness, even a remote possibility is worth investigating. GLP-1 drugs are a class of medications used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes that include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). They work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones that help regulate blood sugar, promote satiety, and reduce appetite. While GLP-1s are generally well tolerated and offer numerous health benefits — from weight loss and better glucose control to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease — research suggests they could increase the risk of certain serious eye conditions. Previous research has linked GLP-1 drugs to a sudden, vision-threatening condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and to 'wet' age-related macular degeneration. The risk of developing these conditions is relatively low. However, they are serious and should be factored into the risk–benefit discussion when considering GLP-1 therapy with a doctor. As a flurry of new research offers a clearer picture of how GLP-1 drugs may affect eye health, Healthline spoke with experts to help break down the findings. GLP-1 drugs and eye disease Three new studies investigated the link between GLP-1s and eye disease, but each employed distinct methods and arrived at different conclusions. A new study compared the effects of semaglutide or tirzepatide with other antidiabetic medications — such as insulin and metformin — on optic nerve conditions, including NAION, in patients with type 2 diabetes. The retrospective cohort study, published on August 11 in JAMA Network Open, included nearly 160,000 patients, evenly split into two groups: one taking GLP-1s and one taking other antidiabetic medications. Over two years of follow-up, those taking a GLP-1 had higher rates of NAION and other optic nerve conditions than those in the comparison group. There were 93 patients with other optic nerve disorders in the semaglutide or tirzepatide group, and 54 patients with these disorders in the comparison group. The study did not specify the types of other optic nerve disorders. 'Newer GLP-1RAs have lots of benefits. This study provides evidence of their potential risks. For each patient, the risk-benefit tradeoff critically depends on a patient's clinical characteristics and their preferences and clinicians' recommendations,' senior study author Rong Xu, PhD, professor and director of the Center for AI in Drug Discovery at Case Western Reserve University, told Healthline. A separate retrospective study, also published in August in the same journal, reached a different conclusion. In a large cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that GLP-1 use was not associated with a higher incidence of NAION but was linked to another eye condition: diabetic retinopathy. During a two-year follow-up, 5,037 patients taking a GLP-1 developed diabetic retinopathy, compared with 4,938 who were not — a 7% increased risk. In a twist, the study found that although there was a small increase in diabetic retinopathy, GLP-1 use appeared to protect against the condition's progression and sight-threatening complications. A subgroup of patients in the study had pre-existing diabetic retinopathy. Those who took a GLP-1 had a lower risk of complications, including progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage, and neovascular glaucoma. They were also less likely to require medical, surgical, or laser treatments for their eyes. Most notably, GLP-1 use was associated with a significantly lower incidence of blindness from any cause. Another study — a meta-analysis and review of 78 trials involving more than 73,000 participants — concluded that semaglutide was associated with an increased incidence of NAION but emphasized that evidence for a causal link remains inconclusive. The review, published on August 14 in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that semaglutide neither increased nor reduced the risk of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy. It's important to note that all three studies can only identify correlations and cannot establish that taking a GLP-1 causes these eye disorders. Studies so far have also focused almost exclusively on patients with type 2 diabetes, so it's unclear what effect GLP-1s have on eye conditions in individuals taking them for weight loss. Making sense of GLP-1s and eye health If you're having trouble making sense of what these conflicting findings mean — especially if you already take a GLP-1 or are considering one — you're not alone. Here's a quick summary on GLP-1s and various eye conditions, and what experts have to say about them: NAION NAION causes sudden blindness in one eye, usually after waking, that is caused by a lack of blood flow to the optic nerve. The condition is elusive, and not well understood. The condition is serious, but despite an apparent increased incidence among patients taking GLP-1s, the condition is still uncommon. 'NAION is rare in general,' said Xu. 'For patients with high risk of developing NAION (e.g., those with diabetes, hypertension) who are taking GLP-1RAs, ophthalmologists may increase vigilance,' she said. Linda Lam, MD, MBA, an ophthalmologist with Keck Medicine of USC, who wasn't involved in the research, tells Healthline that it's too early to make a 'definitive connection' between NAION and GLP-1s. 'To make a correlation that GLP-1s cause NAION would be a big leap,' she said. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes that may lead to vision loss. It is the most common cause of preventable blindness in the United States. Though it may seem counterintuitive, antidiabetic medications that improve blood glucose may worsen this condition. 'It's better to be cautious and protective with vision. So, if a patient has started on a GLP-1 and they already have some diabetic retinopathy, I would just have them come in sooner to see their eye care provider,' said Lam. 'Wet' age-related macular degeneration A recent study published in June found that patients with type 2 diabetes who took GLP-1s were more than twice as likely to develop wet AMD as those who did not. Researchers also identified a dose response, meaning that the longer the patients took a GLP-1, the more likely they were to develop the condition. However, there still needs to be more research to substantiate this link. 'We need to have a lot more studies before we can make these cause and effect determinations. But, anyone who has neovascular AMD and is on a GLP-1 needs to be monitored more closely,' said Lam. The bottom line: GLP-1s have many health benefits, and while there is some evidence to support an association between them and serious eye conditions, that link should not be overstated, and must be considered within the greater context of your individual health. Patients with diabetes should get regular eye exams, regardless of whether they are taking a GLP-1, but taking the medication may be one more reason to schedule an exam. 'GLP-1s have potentially good long-term effects for long-term health in patients with diabetes or obesity. But doctors should be much more cautious and aware of visual complications while they're on these medications, especially when their glycemic numbers go down rapidly. The threshold for when to see your eye care provider or retina specialist should be lower,' Lam said.
