New treatments for liver fibrosis using specific inhibitors
Official title: Novel Paxillin-FAK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis
Funded at Faknostics, LLC · NIH-11008655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Faknostics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $325,976 |
| NIH project number | 1R42DK141379-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from chronic liver diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or viral hepatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver fibrosis due to causes unrelated to the mechanisms being targeted, such as autoimmune liver diseases, may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Faknostics, LLC
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marlowe, Timothy a — Faknostics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Marlowe, Timothy a
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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.