Developing a new MRI contrast agent to detect liver disease
Fibrogenesis Targeted Manganese Based MRI Contrast Agent
This study is testing a new type of MRI contrast agent made from manganese to help doctors see liver damage caused by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) without needing to do a painful biopsy, making it easier to catch problems early and track how well treatments are working for people with liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Reveal Pharma NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10896265 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a manganese-based MRI contrast agent that can noninvasively detect nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a progressive form of fatty liver disease. By improving the ability to visualize liver fibrosis, the study aims to provide a safer alternative to invasive biopsies for diagnosing and monitoring NASH. The approach involves advanced imaging techniques that could allow for early detection and assessment of treatment responses in patients with liver disease. This could lead to better management and outcomes for individuals at risk of severe liver complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those at risk of developing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced liver disease who are not at risk for NASH may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier and safer diagnosis of liver disease, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for liver disease detection, but this specific manganese-based approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Reveal Pharma — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoffman, Vera — Reveal Pharma
- Study coordinator: Hoffman, Vera
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 below.