A new D-peptide treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: A Potent D-peptide Inhibitor of TNFα for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funded at D Biotherapeutics, LLC · NIH-10822182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called DBT178 that aims to reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and it could offer a better option for those who haven't had success with current medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | D Biotherapeutics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $295,894 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AR083749-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those who have experienced a loss of efficacy with current anti-TNFα treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have rheumatoid arthritis or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel D-peptide, DBT178, designed to inhibit TNFα, a key driver of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The approach focuses on creating a stable and protease-resistant peptide that can effectively block TNFα activity, potentially overcoming the limitations of current anti-TNFα biologics that many patients develop resistance to. The study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of DBT178 in a validated RA disease model, which could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from this chronic condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and durable treatment option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have lost response to existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of D-peptides in this context is relatively novel, similar approaches targeting TNFα have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
D Biotherapeutics, LLC
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Risdon, Grant H — D Biotherapeutics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Risdon, Grant H
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.