Breakthrough Compound Shows Potential in Preventing Premature Births in Mice

Scientists at the CHU Sainte-Justine affiliated with the University of Montreal have made a significant advance after nearly 15 years of research by developing a new compound that demonstrates promising potential to prevent premature labor in mice. Annually, approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide, with each extra day in the womb significantly crucial for their health and development. Addressing this critical issue, a team led by Ph.D. candidate France Côté and supervised by pharmacology professor Sylvain Chemtob, published their findings in mbo Molecular Medicine.

Their research builds upon pioneering work by biochemist Christiane Quiniou, who designed peptides targeting the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, a cytokine vital for innate immunity and implicated in triggering premature labor. The team has now developed a peptide dubbed HSJ633, which remarkably alters the management of prematurity. According to Chemtob, this peptide uniquely inhibits the inflammatory harmful effects of IL-6 temporarily while maintaining its protective functions like cellular defense, marking a significant breakthrough.

HSJ633 is characterized by its ease of production, stability, and affordability. Unlike current treatments that target uterine contractions nonspecifically and often cause side effects, HSJ633 acts directly on uteroplacental inflammation, the primary cause of premature labor. Its cost-effectiveness compared to existing anti-IL-6 therapies used for other conditions positions it as a safer, promising alternative.

The concept originated from inflammation research, and initial designs aimed at inflammatory diseases. Seeing HSJ633 reduce inflammation without impairing fetal development is a notable success. Validation in preclinical mouse models showed that administering HSJ633 before or after labor onset prolonged gestation by several days and protected vital organs such as the lungs and intestines of newborns—organs usually susceptible to damage during prematurity.

Encouraged by these results, researchers aim to initiate clinical trials in humans. They believe HSJ633 could become a vital tool in preventing premature births globally, providing a concrete response to an urgent health issue. Its combination of scientific innovation, clinical potential, and human impact makes it a groundbreaking development in neonatal healthcare.

For more detailed information, see the full study: France Côté et al, mbo Molecular Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44321-025-00257-9. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-compound-premature-births-mice.html