Developing a new treatment for liver fibrosis in NASH
Official title: Candidate selection of a LPAR1 antagonist for therapeutic application in NASH
Funded at Epigen Biosciences, INC. · NIH-10912752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new drug called EPGN2154 to see if it can help improve liver health for people with liver fibrosis caused by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is often linked to obesity and type-2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Epigen Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,041,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK129071-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and related liver conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases not related to NASH or those who do not have liver fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new drug that targets the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) to treat liver fibrosis caused by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver disease linked to obesity and type-2 diabetes. The researchers are testing a specific compound, EPGN2154, in animal models to see how well it can reduce liver damage and inflammation. By blocking certain cellular processes that lead to fibrosis, this treatment aims to improve liver health. The study also explores combining EPGN2154 with other drugs to enhance its effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new effective treatment for patients suffering from NASH and liver fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting LPAR1 for liver diseases, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Epigen Biosciences, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tucci, Fabio Cohen — Epigen Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Tucci, Fabio Cohen
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.