NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Providing human liver tissue and cells for biomedical research

Official title: Human Liver Tissue & Hepatocytes Research Resource (HLTHRR)

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11061812 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is all about providing researchers with healthy human liver cells to help them learn more about liver diseases, like alcoholic hepatitis, and find better treatments, which can ultimately benefit patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$421,554
NIH project number5R24DK139775-02
Project IDNIH-11061812 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with liver diseases, particularly those related to alcohol, as well as researchers studying liver function.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-liver-related conditions or those not involved in research studies may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research program aims to supply normal human liver tissue and hepatocytes, along with various non-parenchymal cells, to biomedical researchers across the United States. By isolating and distributing these vital cellular resources, the program supports studies focused on liver functions, disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and toxicology. Patients can benefit indirectly as this research enhances understanding and treatment of liver diseases, including alcoholic hepatitis. The program has a long-standing history of facilitating liver research, ensuring that scientists have access to high-quality human liver cells for their investigations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and understanding of liver diseases for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research programs focused on liver tissue distribution have shown success in advancing liver disease studies and treatments.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Geller, David a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Geller, David a

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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.