Creating a synthetic heparin to protect liver transplants from damage during surgery

Development ofsynthetic heparin to protect liver graft from ischemia reperfusion injury duringtransplantation

NIH-funded research Glyco Discoveries, INC · NIH-11172888

This study is testing a new treatment called dekaparin to help protect liver transplants from damage that can happen when blood flow is temporarily stopped, which can lead to better recovery and lower chances of cancer coming back for patients with liver cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGlyco Discoveries, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11172888 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a synthetic oligosaccharide called dekaparin to protect liver grafts from ischemia reperfusion injury during transplantation. Ischemia reperfusion injury occurs when the liver is temporarily removed from blood circulation, leading to inflammation and complications once blood flow is restored. By targeting this injury, the research aims to improve liver function post-transplant and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with liver cancer. The approach involves a novel therapeutic strategy that has shown promise in preclinical studies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are undergoing liver transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for liver transplantation or those with other types of liver disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the outcomes of liver transplantation by improving organ function and reducing cancer recurrence rates.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, there is preclinical evidence suggesting that targeting ischemia reperfusion injury could lead to improved outcomes in liver transplantation.

Where this research is happening

Raleigh, 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.