Developing flexible molecules that can target multiple proteins for drug therapy
Official title: Shapeshifting Cyclic Peptides as Single Molecule Polypharmacological Drugs
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10864699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new types of tiny proteins that can change shape in your body to better target and treat diseases, with the hope of finding more effective options for conditions that don’t have many good treatments right now.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $213,563 |
| NIH project number | 1R21GM154148-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that are currently difficult to treat due to the limitations of existing drugs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-managed conditions that already have effective treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new class of cyclic peptides that can change shape at body temperature, allowing them to interact with various proteins in the human body. By exploring a vast range of potential drug-like molecules, the researchers aim to develop treatments that can target diseases more effectively than current drugs. The approach involves synthesizing unique amino acids that can be integrated into existing drug development methods, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating conditions that have limited therapeutic options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective drugs that can target multiple disease pathways simultaneously.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of shape-shifting molecules is innovative, similar approaches in drug development have shown promise in targeting multiple pathways, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stowell, Michael H. B. — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Stowell, Michael H. B.
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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.