Investigating a new drug to treat liver fibrosis caused by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Official title: Evaluation of anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory semi-synthetic oxysterol, Oxy210, as a therapeutic drug candidate for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Funded at Max Biopharma, INC. · NIH-10832060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment called Oxy210 that might help people with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by reducing liver scarring and inflammation, and it’s designed to be taken easily by mouth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Max Biopharma, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $889,701 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK136405-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10832060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and associated liver fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver fibrosis due to other causes, such as chronic alcohol use or viral hepatitis, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on evaluating a semi-synthetic oxysterol, known as Oxy210, which may help reduce liver fibrosis associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The approach involves understanding how this compound interacts with specific molecular pathways that contribute to liver inflammation and scarring. By targeting these pathways, the research aims to develop a therapeutic option that could improve liver health in affected patients. Participants may receive the drug through oral administration, allowing for easier treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from liver fibrosis due to NASH, potentially improving their liver function and overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar molecular pathways for treating liver fibrosis, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Max Biopharma, INC.
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parhami, Farhad — Max Biopharma, INC.
- Study coordinator: Parhami, Farhad
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Role of metabolic stress in NASH-related liver cancer
This grant explores how metabolic stress linked to NASH may drive liver cancer and looks for ways to interrupt that process to help patients.
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TREM2: a helper in liver inflammation and scarring in NASH
A new approach studies how a liver immune receptor called TREM2 helps protect against liver inflammation and scarring in people with fatty liver disease that can progress to NASH.
-
Genes behind fatty liver disease and NASH
This project looks at how specific genes change fatty liver disease and scarring to help guide better tests and treatments for people with NAFLD/NASH.
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Ex-vivo bioengineered liver cells to study NASH-related dysfunction
Researchers will use patient-derived stem cell–made liver cells in a lab setup to understand why NASH causes liver damage and how stiffness of the liver’s surroundings affects this process.
-
How TREM2 on immune cells affects fatty liver disease (NASH)
This project looks at whether the immune protein TREM2 helps drive liver inflammation and scarring in people with NASH.
-
New small-molecule medicines that stabilize Axin to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Trying new small-molecule drugs that stabilize Axin to lower liver fat and scarring for people with NASH.
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.