Drug repurposing identifies candidate uterus-selective tocolytics for preterm labor.

FDA-approved drugs fosaprepitant dimeglumine and ciclesonide show uterus-selective tocolytic activity, inhibiting contractions without affecting fetal mouse ductus arteriosus tone.

• Why it matters: There are currently no FDA-approved tocolytics for preterm labor, creating a critical need for safe, effective treatments that target uterine contractions without adverse fetal effects.
• What they did: A high-throughput screen tested 1191 FDA-approved drugs for inhibition of uterine myometrial contractions, identifying 51 drugs that blocked calcium mobilization, with 10 showing uterine selectivity, and further testing of drug combinations for synergy.
• The result: Selected drugs and combinations delayed delivery in a mouse model, improved neonatal outcomes, and demonstrated potential for further preclinical development as safe, effective tocolytics for preterm labor.