New treatments for liver fibrosis using specific inhibitors

Novel Paxillin-FAK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis

NIH-funded research Faknostics, LLC · NIH-11008655

This study is looking at new ways to help people with liver fibrosis by blocking certain proteins that cause liver damage, with the hope of slowing down or even reversing the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFaknostics, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Phoenix, United States)
Project IDNIH-11008655 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing novel inhibitors targeting paxillin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to treat liver fibrosis, a serious condition resulting from chronic liver diseases. The approach involves understanding how these proteins contribute to the activation of liver cells that produce excessive scar tissue. By inhibiting these proteins, the research aims to reduce liver fibrosis progression, which can lead to severe complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The study will utilize animal models to evaluate the effectiveness of these inhibitors in preventing or reversing liver damage.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from chronic liver diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or viral hepatitis.

Not a fit: Patients with liver fibrosis due to causes unrelated to the mechanisms being targeted, such as autoimmune liver diseases, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new FDA-approved therapies that significantly improve outcomes for patients with liver fibrosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting paxillin and FAK in animal models, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Phoenix, 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.
Conditions Alcoholic Liver Diseases
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.