Improving treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Optimizing SWELL1 modulators to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

NIH-funded research Senseion Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10461207

This study is looking at new medications that could help people with obesity and type 2 diabetes by improving how their bodies handle insulin and sugar, which might also help reduce fat in the liver.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSenseion Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10461207 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new medications that target a specific ion channel complex, SWELL1, which plays a crucial role in regulating insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. By using a small molecule modulator, researchers aim to enhance the function of SWELL1, potentially improving insulin sensitivity and reducing liver fat accumulation. The approach involves testing these modulators in animal models that mimic human conditions of obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are linked to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). If successful, this could lead to new therapies for patients suffering from these metabolic disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those not affected by metabolic syndrome may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related metabolic conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for metabolic diseases, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.