New treatment for liver disease caused by fat buildup
Official title: Structurally engineered N-acyl amino acids for the treatment of NASH
Funded at Furanica, INC. · NIH-10761044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new oral treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver disease that causes fat buildup and inflammation, to help reduce liver damage and improve health for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Furanica, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $293,543 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DK137711-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10761044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis who are experiencing liver inflammation and fat accumulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other liver diseases unrelated to fat accumulation, such as viral hepatitis or autoimmune liver disease, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver disease characterized by fat accumulation that leads to inflammation and potential liver failure. The approach involves creating novel compounds called fatty acid-amino acid conjugates that target both lipid and amino acid metabolism. By optimizing these compounds for better absorption and effectiveness, the research aims to reduce liver damage and improve patient outcomes. The treatment is designed to be taken orally, making it more accessible for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective oral treatment option for patients suffering from NASH.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using combination therapies for liver diseases, but this specific approach with fatty acid-amino acid conjugates is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Furanica, INC.
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schopfer, Francisco Jose — Furanica, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schopfer, Francisco Jose
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.