Targeting fatty liver disease in women around pregnancy to improve health
Official title: Targeting Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease during the reproductive period to improve women's health outcomes
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11385949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how to identify and help pregnant and postpartum women who are at risk for fatty liver disease to prevent liver problems later.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $670,779 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139189-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women of reproductive age, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period, who are at risk for MASLD/MASH.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant or postpartum women without MASLD risk factors or those not followed through pregnancy/postpartum may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project focuses on MASLD/MASH in women of reproductive age and uses non-invasive tests during pregnancy to spot those at highest risk. It builds on a prior FLIP I program that found notable MASLD prevalence among pregnant women and worsening MASLD after delivery. By following women through pregnancy and postpartum, the study aims to refine risk markers and understand lipid changes that drive disease progression. The goal is to create actionable screening and care pathways that can be used in clinical settings to protect liver and overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could enable earlier detection and better management of MASLD in women, reducing liver-related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous FLIP I work showed significant MASLD prevalence and progression postpartum, supporting the potential usefulness of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kushner, Tatyana — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Kushner, Tatyana
Related research
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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.