Monday, October 13, 2025 10/13/2025

POP2 as a novel therapeutic in rheumatoid arthritis

Award Number: R21AR080367
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULOSKELETAL & SKIN DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/23/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2026

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POP2 as a novel therapeutic in rheumatoid arthritis - Project Summary: Inflammation underlies the disabling manifestations and co-morbidities of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Treatment regimens for RA patients aim to control inflammation and progressive joint damage mediated by inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. Recent studies demonstrate that humans possess four genes coding Pyrin-only proteins (POPs) that limit NF-B signaling and inflammasome activation pathways, events critical for elaboration of the cytokines mediating inflammation. TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 are critically regulated by NF-B transcription factors. We have previously described the anti-inflammatory properties of POP2 in-vitro and in-vivo. Here we propose proof-of-concept studies to evaluate how POP2 and POP2-derived peptides impact experimentally induced RA when administered exogenously, using a murine preclinical model. POP2 peptide therapy represents a novel therapeutic approach to ameliorating excessive inflammation through dual inhibition of both NF-B signaling and inflammasome pathways. The immunological and molecular basis for our hypotheses stems from our published and preliminary data showing the naturally expressed, non-toxic POP2 peptide dampens cytokine production in inflammatory responses without compromising host immunity. Our studies will provide insight into how treatment regimens based on POP2 peptide therapy may be utilized or improved upon. In vitro characterization, dose-escalation studies and in-vivo assessment of disease parameters will inform approaches to develop POP2 peptides as a novel therapeutic.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2025	2023	ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE	47 NEW SCOTLAND AVE # A34	ALBANY	NY	12208	ALBANY	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	2	8/29/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $179,300 )
2023	2023	ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE	47 NEW SCOTLAND AVE	ALBANY	NY	12208	ALBANY	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	2	8/21/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$179,300
														Subtotal = $179,300

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $215,160 )
2022	2022	ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE	47 NEW SCOTLAND AVE	ALBANY	NY	12208	ALBANY	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	1	9/23/2022	NEW	$215,160
														Subtotal = $215,160

Grand Total All Awards = $394,460

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POP2 as a novel therapeutic in rheumatoid arthritis

Award Number: R21AR080367

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULOSKELETAL & SKIN DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/23/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2026

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