Drugs to protect insulin‑making beta cells in type 2 diabetes
Disease-modifying drugs for T2D through targeting the Unfolded Protein Response
New small‑molecule medicines aim to reduce cellular stress to protect insulin‑producing cells in people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319818 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops and optimizes a class of small molecules called KIRAs that calm an overactive unfolded protein response in pancreatic beta cells. Researchers will use medicinal chemistry to improve potency, selectivity, and oral bioavailability of lead compounds. The team will test candidates in mouse models of diabetes and in human pancreatic islet samples to see if the drugs prevent beta‑cell death and improve insulin production. They will also complete key preclinical steps needed to move the best candidates toward early human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly those earlier in the disease with remaining beta‑cell function, would be the most likely candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes or those with long‑standing, near‑complete loss of beta‑cell function are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could slow or reverse loss of insulin‑producing cells and change the course of type 2 diabetes rather than only treating symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: First‑generation KIRA compounds have prevented and reversed diabetes in mouse models, but human testing of optimized KIRAs is still new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papa, Feroz R — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Papa, Feroz R
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 below.