Creating new drugs to block a protein involved in liver disease
Official title: Development of caspase-6 inhibitors for treatment of NASH
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10984458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by creating special treatments that can stop a protein called caspase-6 from causing liver cell damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,805 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135289-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to NASH or those who do not have liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing inhibitors for caspase-6, a protein that contributes to liver cell death in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The team will explore two types of chemical inhibitors: one that binds strongly to caspase-6 and another that prevents its activation. By using advanced design techniques, they aim to create a treatment that can improve liver health and reduce damage in patients with NASH. The research will involve testing these inhibitors in mouse models to assess their effectiveness and safety before considering human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve liver health for patients with NASH.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting caspases for therapeutic purposes, but this specific approach to caspase-6 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saltiel, Alan R. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Saltiel, Alan R.
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.