Small drug blockers of EphB receptors to treat NASH (fatty liver disease)
Small molecule antagonists targeting EphB receptors for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
This project is developing small drugs that block EphB receptors to reduce liver inflammation and scarring in adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328058 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing and testing small-molecule drugs that block EphB receptor signaling, a pathway linked to liver inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. They will use biochemical assays, cell studies, and mouse models to find compounds that are potent, stable, and reach the liver. Promising compounds will be optimized for bioavailability and safety to identify a lead drug candidate. The goal is to create a therapy that could move into human testing if preclinical results are favorable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ultimately, adults diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially those with liver inflammation and early fibrosis, would be the intended candidates for this therapy.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is caused by other conditions (for example viral hepatitis or alcoholic liver disease) or those with very advanced cirrhosis may not benefit from this targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce a targeted medicine that slows or reverses liver inflammation and fibrosis in people with NASH, potentially reducing progression to cirrhosis or need for transplant.
How similar studies have performed: Blocking receptor tyrosine kinases has worked in other diseases, but targeting EphB receptors for NASH is a novel approach that has mainly been tested in laboratory and animal studies so far.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mimche, Patrice — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Mimche, Patrice
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.