A human liver model to predict drug-induced liver injury

DDT-IST-000016-LOI-2 A Human Liver-Chip for Prediction of Drug-Induced Liver Injury proposed for context of use claim for the prediction of DILI within preclinical drug development program

NIH-funded research Emulate, INC. · NIH-11088687

This study is creating a tiny model of the human liver to see how different medications might harm the liver, which could help make sure that safer drugs are available for people like you before they are tested in real patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmulate, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088687 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a human liver-chip model that can accurately predict drug-induced liver injury (DILI) during the drug development process. By using a quad-culture system that mimics the liver's cellular environment, the study aims to evaluate how different drugs affect liver cells, helping to identify potential risks before clinical trials. The liver-chip incorporates various cell types to recreate the complex interactions that occur in a real liver, providing a more reliable assessment of drug safety. This innovative approach could lead to safer drugs and better patient outcomes by preventing harmful drugs from reaching the market.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are involved in clinical trials for new drug candidates, particularly those with a history of liver-related health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not participating in clinical trials or who do not have any liver health concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance drug safety by reducing the incidence of drug-induced liver injuries in patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using organ-chip technology have shown promising results in predicting drug toxicity, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.