Engineered human liver tissue to help with liver disease and drug-induced injury
Official title: Engineered human liver tissue for heterotopic transplant and therapeutic rescue of liver disease
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11447378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is testing engineered human liver tissue that could temporarily support people with severe liver disease or liver injury when a full transplant isn’t possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $839,388 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK142669-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with acute or chronic liver failure who may benefit from tissue-based bridging therapies or future implantation after transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose liver disease progresses too rapidly or who are not eligible for tissue-engraftment therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to create implantable, engineered liver tissue made from human hepatocytes that can function in the body. Researchers will grow and test these tissues in the lab and in animal models to find the best environment for engraftment and function. If successful, this approach could provide a temporary bridge to transplant or a reduction in disease progression for people with liver injury, including acetaminophen-related damage. The work involves screening tissue environments, validating engraftment, and evaluating therapeutic potential in vivo. The goal is to move toward clinical applicability that could lessen the need for donor livers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with liver disease or severe drug-induced liver injury could receive a bridging therapy that buys time or reduces the need for transplant.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies show engraftment of engineered liver tissues and organoid approaches in models, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens, Kelly R — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Stevens, Kelly R
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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.