New drugs to change the course of Type 2 diabetes by targeting cellular stress responses
Official title: Disease-modifying drugs for T2D through targeting the Unfolded Protein Response
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11075910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new medications that could help people with Type 2 diabetes by making their insulin work better and reducing stress in their pancreas, with the hope of preventing or even reversing diabetes symptoms.
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 start | April 17, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $667,957 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137545-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who may benefit from new therapeutic options targeting cellular stress mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Type 1 diabetes or those whose diabetes is not primarily related to beta cell dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new medications that can modify the progression of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) by targeting the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) in pancreatic beta cells. The approach involves creating small molecules, known as KIRAs, that help manage cellular stress and improve insulin sensitivity. By refining these compounds, the researchers aim to prevent or even reverse diabetes symptoms in preclinical models and eventually in humans. The study will utilize various experimental systems, including human islets and genetically modified mice, to test the effectiveness of these drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve the management and outcomes of Type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting the UPR in diabetes models, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
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.