Pitt center using human liver models to improve drug testing
Administrative Core
They are using lab-grown human liver systems to help find safer, more effective drugs for people with liver disease like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294214 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This center will develop and qualify human liver microphysiology systems (3D liver models) to measure how drugs are cleared, identify metabolites, detect liver toxicity, test safety and effectiveness, and help select clinical trial participants. The Administrative Core coordinates multi-site teams of scientists, clinicians, and industry partners, manages budgets and operations, and works with the FDA to build trust in these tools. Researchers will run experiments using human-derived liver cells in 3D systems and compare results to clinical data so regulators can accept the models for specific uses. If accepted, these tools could be used by drug developers to speed approvals and reduce patient risk during testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with liver conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or other hepatic disorders who might join future clinical trials informed by these tools.
Not a fit: Individuals without liver disease or those seeking immediate personal treatment should not expect direct benefit from this administrative center itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could speed up approval of safer, more effective treatments for liver diseases and lower the risk of drug-related liver injury for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Organ-on-chip and liver microphysiology systems have shown promising results in research for predicting metabolism and toxicity, but formal FDA qualification for routine clinical decision-making is still developing.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soto-Gutierrez, Alejandro — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Soto-Gutierrez, Alejandro
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 below.