A new system to study liver disease and improve clinical trials for patients with fatty liver disease
A vascularized patient-derived iPSC liver acinus microphysiology system as an innovative precision medicine platform for optimizing clinical trial design for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
This study is creating a special model of the liver using cells from patients to help us learn more about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and improve new treatments, so that people with this condition can have better options for care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10868453 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research develops a unique platform using patient-derived cells to create a model of the liver that mimics its natural environment. By utilizing this vascularized liver acinus microphysiology system, researchers aim to better understand nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and optimize the design of clinical trials for new treatments. The approach focuses on addressing the complexities of NAFLD, which affects a significant portion of the population and currently lacks effective therapies. Patients may benefit from more targeted and effective treatment options as a result of this innovative research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or its progressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases unrelated to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective therapies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to studying liver diseases, this specific method using patient-derived cells in a microphysiology system is innovative and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, D. Lansing — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Taylor, D. Lansing
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.