Creating a 3D liver model to test treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Re-engineering a human 3D liver tissue model for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease for drug screening

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11094031

This study is creating a 3D model of human liver tissue to better understand non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and test over 100 different drugs to find new treatments that could help people with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11094031 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a human 3D liver tissue model specifically designed to study non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By using patient-derived liver cells, the team aims to create a more accurate representation of the disease, allowing for better drug screening and testing. The project involves testing over 100 drugs and combinations to identify potential treatments, utilizing advanced techniques like quantitative systems pharmacology. This innovative approach aims to enhance the understanding of NAFLD and improve the precision of future therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases unrelated to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, benefiting millions of patients worldwide.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using 3D tissue models for drug testing, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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 2026-06-15 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.