Biomarker-guided reduction of immunosuppression after liver transplant
Official title: Biomarker-guided Reduction of Immunosuppression in Liver Transplant Recipients
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11433277 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multicenter trial tests whether using blood biomarkers to guide tapering of immunosuppression in adults with liver transplants can keep people healthy while lowering drug exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,335,027 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AI203222-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11433277 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 18 years or older who are at least 12 months post-liver transplant with stable graft function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unstable graft function or who cannot tolerate biomarker-guided strategies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This study enrolls 180 adults who are at least 12 months post-liver transplant and have stable graft function. Participants are randomized to either standard tapering based on clinical tests or tapering guided by a blood biomarker strategy that tracks specific microRNAs and DNA signals indicating rejection risk. The trial is open-label and will follow participants for 12 months at four U.S. centers to compare outcomes. The goal is to reduce immunosuppression safely while maintaining graft health by catching early signs of rejection with minimally invasive tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer side effects from immunosuppressive drugs while maintaining a healthy liver graft.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials showed potential for biomarker-guided tapering but did not definitively prove safety across diverse centers; this study builds on that evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaked, Abraham Na — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Shaked, Abraham Na
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarkers to tailor liver transplant immunosuppression
A multi-center study using blood biomarkers to guide how immunosuppressive drugs are given to liver transplant patients.
-
Using blood biomarkers to guide immunosuppression after liver transplant
This project uses regular blood biomarker checks to help doctors personalize immunosuppression for people who have had a liver transplant to reduce rejection and protect the kidneys.
-
Using blood biomarkers to improve liver transplant immunosuppression
This study is looking at how certain blood tests can help doctors create personalized treatment plans for people who have received a liver transplant, making it easier to prevent rejection and protect kidney health.
-
Using miRNA profiles to improve immunosuppression management in liver transplant patients
This study is looking at how certain tiny molecules in your blood can help doctors better manage the medications you take after a liver transplant, making sure your body doesn’t reject the new organ while reducing side effects.
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Innate and Adaptive Immunoregulation in Liver Transplant Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
A liver transplant-focused project investigates how the body’s early and later immune responses affect transplant failure or success after reperfusion.
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Understanding how liver disease progresses in people waiting for a liver transplant
A study will build a knowledge base that maps how liver disease worsens over time in patients on the transplant waitlist to improve care and planning.
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.