Targeting CMG2 to relieve endometriosis pain

CMG2 as a target for safe and effective treatment of endometriosis-associate pain

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11385649

Trying a new drug approach that blocks a protein called CMG2 to reduce pelvic pain in people with endometriosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11385649 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with endometriosis who have persistent pelvic pain despite NSAIDs, hormonal therapy, or surgery would be the likely candidates for future clinical testing.

Not a fit: 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).

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 performed: 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, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.