Creating a new test platform for liver fibrosis using patient-derived cells

Liver fibrosis cell-based assay platform: integrating patient-derived fibrotic liver ECM with primary stellate cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes to accelerate anti-fibrotic drug development

NIH-funded research Xylyx Bio, INC. · NIH-11008126

This study is working on a new way to test potential treatments for liver fibrosis by creating a lab model that closely resembles how the human liver behaves, which could help find better therapies for people living with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionXylyx Bio, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Brooklyn, United States)
Project IDNIH-11008126 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a cell-based assay platform that mimics human liver fibrosis using engineered fibrotic lesions. By integrating patient-derived extracellular matrix with primary liver cells, the project aims to create a more accurate model for testing anti-fibrotic drugs. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of current animal models and aims to provide a reliable in-vitro testing environment that reflects human conditions. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the development of effective treatments for liver fibrosis, a condition that currently lacks approved therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from liver fibrosis due to conditions such as NASH, NAFLD, or hepatitis C.

Not a fit: Patients with liver fibrosis caused by factors unrelated to the conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective treatments for liver fibrosis, improving outcomes for patients with chronic liver diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in liver fibrosis research, this specific approach using engineered human fibrotic lesions is novel and has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

Brooklyn, 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.