Targeting a specific enzyme to prevent liver fibrosis

Targeting Acid Ceramidase for Hepatic Fibrogenesis

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11000288

This study is looking at a new way to treat liver fibrosis, a condition that can harm your liver, by targeting a specific enzyme to help slow down the disease and improve liver health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11000288 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new treatment for liver fibrosis, a condition that can lead to liver failure. The team has identified an enzyme called acid ceramidase that plays a crucial role in the progression of fibrosis. By inhibiting this enzyme, they aim to reduce the activation of liver cells that contribute to fibrosis. The research involves designing and testing new drug compounds that can effectively inhibit this enzyme and evaluating their effectiveness in both mouse and human models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic liver diseases that lead to fibrosis.

Not a fit: Patients with acute liver conditions or those without any signs of liver fibrosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new oral medication that prevents or slows the progression of liver fibrosis in patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for treating liver fibrosis, indicating a potential for success with this approach.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.