Methods for Delaying or Inducing Labor

Boston Biomedical Research Institute
posted on 05/12/2011

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Background: The inventors have discovered a method for controlling uterine smooth muscle contractility via the targeting of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade.
The in vivo effect of ERK inhibition on modulating smooth muscle contractility has not been previously explored until now.
Technology: Labor can be delayed by administering a compound which prevents phosphorlation, which activates ERK.
Similarly labor can be induced by administering a compound that activates kinase activity, thereby increasing phosphorylated levels, which activates ERK.
The inventors have also discovered downstream targets of ERK that would delay or induce labor by activating the binding of caldesmon to clmodulin.
Application: In the United States, approximately 10% of all births are premature.
Premature births accounts for approximately 75% of all neonatal death and morbidity including long-term disabilities.
At present, there is no truly safe and effective agent approved in the U.S. for the selective suppression of preterm uterine contractions.
Status: US. patent application filed July, 2003.