Investigating new treatments for liver damage caused by alcohol and obesity
Official title: Development and Preclinical Evaluation of Nanoformulations in Liver Fibrotic Mice
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11054647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new treatments for liver damage caused by alcohol and obesity, using mice to test a special drug that could help prevent inflammation and scarring in the liver, with the hope of finding better options for people with liver problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $365,775 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135817-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from liver damage due to alcohol abuse or obesity-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver damage from causes other than alcohol abuse or obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing new nanoformulations aimed at treating liver damage resulting from alcohol abuse and obesity. It explores how liver cell damage leads to inflammation and fibrosis, and how specific signaling pathways can be targeted to prevent these conditions. The study utilizes preclinical models, specifically mice, to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel inhibitor that targets the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is implicated in liver fibrosis. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from liver-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve liver health and reduce the risk of cirrhosis in patients with alcohol-related liver disease and obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for liver disease treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahato, Ram I. — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mahato, Ram I.
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.