NIH-funded research R01 grant

iPSC-derived endothelial cell therapy to help liver disease

Official title: Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cell therapy for liver disease

Funded at Boston Medical Center · NIH-11465208 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A research project is exploring using stem-cell–made liver blood vessel cells to support and restore liver function in people with severe liver disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 4, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$3,517,102
NIH project number1R01DK149649-01
Project IDNIH-11465208 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are individuals with severe liver disease or acute liver injury who are eligible for experimental cell-based therapies and able to undergo cell transplantation.

Less likely to help

Patients without severe liver disease or those not eligible for cell transplantation may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project uses patient-specific stem cells to create liver endothelial cells and tests whether implanting these cells can improve liver tissue health and help existing liver cells grow and function better. By focusing on the vascular support niche, the study aims to enhance regeneration after liver injury or failure. If successful, it could lead to a new cell-based therapy that reduces the need for donor organs and speeds up recovery in acute liver disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients with serious liver disease could gain a new cell-based therapy that supports liver regeneration and function.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that endothelial cells can support liver regeneration, but this approach using iPSC-derived endothelial cells is a novel application in this context.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston Medical Center
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gouon-Evans, Valerie B — Boston Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Gouon-Evans, Valerie B

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.