NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Post-transplant care with biomarkers and support tools for alcohol-use after liver transplant

Official title: Project 2-Optimization of Post-Transplant care via Biomarkers and Behavioral Interventions

Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11413517 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A Johns Hopkins program tests biomarker-guided and behavioral approaches to help people who had a liver transplant for alcohol-related disease stay abstinent and healthy.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2019
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$359,527
NIH project number5P50AA027054-08
Project IDNIH-11413517 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with alcohol-associated liver disease who have received a liver transplant and are navigating post-transplant care.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have alcohol-use disorder or who are not in the post-transplant period may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project looks at how to integrate evidence-based AUD treatments into routine post-transplant care to reduce relapse and improve survival. It builds on past findings that early vs standard transplant timing can yield similar outcomes and explores how post-transplant support can be optimized with technology-assisted interventions. The work uses biomarkers and behavioral strategies to support patients in maintaining abstinence during the critical years after transplantation. By studying real-world post-transplant care and refining practice, it aims to make recovery more durable for ALD patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have better long-term survival and quality of life after liver transplant through improved abstinence support.

How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized trials showed promising results for technology-assisted AUD treatments integrated into post-transplant care; this project builds on that foundation.

Where this research is happening

  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chen, Po-Hung (Victor) — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Chen, Po-Hung (Victor)

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.