Novel Paxillin-FAK Inhibitors for Liver Fibrosis
Official title: Novel Paxillin-FAK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis
Funded at Faknostics, LLC · NIH-11387961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new program is testing Paxillin-FAK inhibitors to slow or stop liver fibrosis in adults with liver diseases like alcoholic liver disease and MASH.
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, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $669,464 |
| NIH project number | 5R42DK141379-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with alcoholic liver disease or related liver fibrosis who might benefit from anti-fibrotic therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver fibrosis or those unlikely to respond to paxillin-FAK–targeted therapy.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and test inhibitors that target paxillin and FAK to prevent activation of hepatic stellate cells, which drive scar tissue in the liver. By blocking the signals that lead to excess extracellular matrix, the approach hopes to reduce fibrosis progression. The work involves preclinical studies and medicinal chemistry to optimize compounds for potential future human use. If successful, these inhibitors could become a new option for people with advanced liver disease who currently have few approved therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with alcoholic liver disease and related liver fibrosis could gain a new treatment to slow or halt fibrosis progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that inhibiting FAK signaling can reduce fibrosis in animal models, supporting a translational path to humans.
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.