New targeted pill for systemic lupus to slow flare activity
Official title: Development of a Novel, Targeted Small Molecule Inhibitor of the Nucleoside Salvage Pathway to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Funded at Trethera Corporation · NIH-11387894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at a new oral drug that aims to block a cell process involved in lupus flares to help people with the disease feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trethera Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sherman Oaks, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $994,978 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI188587-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with systemic lupus erythematosus who experience flares and may be candidates for disease-modifying therapy.
✕Less likely to help
People without lupus or with stable disease may not benefit from this drug.
What this research studies
This project centers on TRE-515, a small molecule designed to block a key enzyme (dCK) that helps immune cells multiply during lupus flares. If my lupus is active, this drug could potentially reduce flare severity by limiting the overactive lymphocyte proliferation that drives organ damage. The study will progress from foundational research toward a clinical-ready option, guided by safety and efficacy data. The team will work with rigorous lab tests and preclinical models to build a therapy aimed at achieving remission during a flare.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could reduce disease activity and organ damage during lupus flares and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that targeting immune cell proliferation can modulate lupus activity, but this is an early-stage, targeted approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Trethera Corporation
Sherman Oaks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schultz, Kenneth — Trethera Corporation
- Study coordinator: Schultz, Kenneth
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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.