Targeting CMG2 to relieve endometriosis pain
Official title: CMG2 as a target for safe and effective treatment of endometriosis-associate pain
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11385649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Trying a new drug approach that blocks a protein called CMG2 to reduce pelvic pain in people with endometriosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,128,672 |
| NIH project number | 4R01HD110922-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with endometriosis who have persistent pelvic pain despite NSAIDs, hormonal therapy, or surgery would be the likely candidates for future clinical testing.
✕Less likely to help
This research is unlikely to help people whose pelvic pain is due to conditions other than endometriosis or those who cannot participate in future drug trials (for example, pregnancy).
What this research studies
Researchers are developing drugs that block a protein called CMG2, which is found at higher levels in endometriosis tissue. In mouse models their CMG2-blocking compounds (PGG, PGM) reduced lesion growth and pain, and the team will use lab studies and tissue samples to identify the specific cells and molecular signals involved. They will also test maximum effectiveness and safety in preclinical models to determine whether this approach can move toward human trials. The work aims to fill key knowledge gaps so a CMG2-targeting treatment could be tested in people in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a new non-hormonal treatment that reduces endometriosis pain and lowers reliance on opioids for some patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical mouse studies, including the team's preliminary data with CMG2 blockers PGG and PGM, showed reduced lesions and pain, but CMG2-targeting has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rogers, Michael Sean — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rogers, Michael Sean
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
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-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
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-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
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Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
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Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.