Developing a targeted treatment for alcohol-related liver disease
Official title: A Precision Medicine for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Funded at Genetobe INC. · NIH-10932948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to use a new treatment method to help people with alcohol-related liver disease by focusing on a specific gene that affects liver damage, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent or treat this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Genetobe INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $982,659 |
| NIH project number | 5UT2AA031151-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol-associated liver disease, particularly those with the PNPLA3 148 I>M genetic variant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without alcohol-associated liver disease or those who do not carry the specific genetic mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a precision medicine approach using RNA interference (RNAi) to treat alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD). AALD is a serious health issue that leads to high mortality rates and is a common reason for liver transplants. The study focuses on identifying genetic factors, particularly a specific mutation in the PNPLA3 gene, that contribute to the severity of liver damage in affected individuals. By targeting this mutation, the researchers hope to develop effective therapies that can prevent or treat AALD more successfully than current options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic targeting approaches for other liver diseases, indicating potential success for this novel method.
Where this research is happening
-
Genetobe INC.
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Wanqing — Genetobe INC.
- Study coordinator: Liu, Wanqing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New treatments for metabolic diseases in cystic fibrosis patients
This study is looking at new medications that could help people with cystic fibrosis manage diabetes and liver issues by targeting specific glucose transporters, especially for those who have had worsening health after starting a treatment called Trikafta.
-
Creating new CRISPR tools for gene editing therapy
This study is working on new CRISPR tools to make gene editing safer and more precise for people with sickle cell disease, aiming to create better treatments with fewer risks.
-
Gene editing therapy for a genetic disorder causing hearing and vision loss
This study is testing a new gene editing treatment for people with Usher syndrome type 3A, which causes hearing and vision loss, to see if it can safely fix the faulty gene and help improve their hearing and vision.
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.