Identifying biomarkers for monitoring copper metabolism disorders
Official title: Biomarkers for treatment monitoring and prognostication of disorders of hepatic copper metabolism
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11117112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about Wilson disease, a condition that causes too much copper to build up in the body, and it's looking to create a helpful database of patients and their samples to learn more about the disease and find better ways to track how well treatments are working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,053 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137861-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117112 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Wilson disease or those suspected of having copper metabolism disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other liver diseases or those not affected by copper metabolism disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the liver and other organs. The study aims to create a patient registry and biospecimen repository to better understand the disease's natural history and identify biomarkers that can indicate treatment effectiveness. By developing a method to measure 'bioavailable' copper in blood samples, researchers hope to establish how these levels correlate with patient outcomes and treatment adherence. This could ultimately help in guiding treatment decisions and improving patient prognostication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies for patients with Wilson disease, potentially reducing complications and enhancing quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for other metabolic disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in Wilson disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schilsky, Michael L — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Schilsky, Michael L
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.