Non-Invasive Detection of Liver Fibrosis in Adults with diabetes using MASML AI
Official title: Non-Invasive Detection of Liver Fibrosis Utilizing the MASML Machine Learning Algorithm
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11292924 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-based test using standard blood tests aims to identify liver scarring early in adults with type 2 diabetes or related conditions to guide care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $439,608 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK143254-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292924 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus at risk for MASLD/MASLD-related fibrosis who could benefit from earlier hepatology referral.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MASLD/MASLD-related liver disease or those not undergoing liver-related evaluation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a machine learning model called MASML to analyze routine blood work and help detect liver fibrosis without invasive procedures. Participants would be randomized to receive the MASML-based referral pathway versus the standard two-step approach (FIB-4 plus FibroScan). The goal is to see if the MASML method leads to earlier and more accurate referrals for liver specialist care. The study focuses on adults at risk due to MASLD/MASLD-related liver disease and will compare outcomes related to fibrosis staging and subsequent management decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get earlier, more accurate detection of liver fibrosis using simple blood tests, potentially reducing liver-related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Prior ML-based approaches showed promise in fibrosis detection, but this trial tests a direct referral pathway improvement in a large randomized setting.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noureddin, Mazen — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Noureddin, Mazen
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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.