Speeding liver recovery after acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose
Official title: Novel strategies to accelerate repair of drug-induced hepatotoxicity
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11387661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Testing new drugs that aim to help the liver heal faster after acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $559,602 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136733-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387661 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have had an acetaminophen overdose with resulting acute liver injury or early acute liver failure would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose liver damage is caused by conditions other than acetaminophen, or those with very advanced irreversible liver failure, may not benefit from these specific approaches.
What this research studies
This work focuses on a blood protein called von Willebrand Factor (VWF) that may block liver repair after acetaminophen injury. Researchers are using genetically modified mice, analyses of human acute liver failure samples, and experimental VWF-targeted drugs to prevent tiny clot-like deposits in the liver. They will test existing VWF-targeted molecules, new compounds designed to keep VWF inactive, and VWF-directed clot-dissolving agents to see if these speed tissue repair. Results are intended to inform future treatments for people with acetaminophen-related liver damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these approaches could help livers recover faster after overdose and lower the risk of needing a transplant or intensive care.
How similar studies have gone: Early animal studies and analyses of human liver samples suggest targeting VWF could help, but applying VWF-targeted drugs to speed repair in patients is still a novel approach under testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luyendyk, James P — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Luyendyk, James P
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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.