Targeting FKBP51 to Prevent Stress-Related Preterm Birth
Official title: Therapeutic targeting of FKBP51 for the prevention of stress-induced preterm birth
Funded at Dare Bioscience, INC. · NIH-11310088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug approach aims to block a stress-related protein (FKBP51) to help prevent preterm birth in pregnant people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dare Bioscience, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $907,702 |
| NIH project number | 2R44HD113465-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals at risk of stress-related preterm birth may be eligible if future trials are developed and approved.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for preterm birth or those not meeting trial criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on preventing preterm labor by blocking FKBP51, a protein linked to stress that can interfere with progesterone’s role in maintaining pregnancy. The team plans to formulate a drug combination and test it in mouse models and human cells to refine a potential vaginal insert strategy. If successful, the approach could lead to a pharmacological option to reduce early births and their complications. Researchers have already shown the target is feasible in early studies and will advance preclinical testing and optimization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could provide a new option to prevent preterm birth and improve neonatal outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Early Phase I work supports FKBP51 as a drug target and feasibility of blocking it with 15dPGJ2 in human cells and mouse models.
Where this research is happening
-
Dare Bioscience, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friend, David R — Dare Bioscience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Friend, David R
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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.