Under-the-skin medicine for fluid buildup (ascites) from portal hypertension
Subcutaneous Drug Development for Portal Hypertension Ascites
A new injectable medicine given under the skin to help people with cirrhosis who have hard-to-treat fluid buildup in the belly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pharmain Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bothell, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193954 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) form of a vasopressin-like drug that slowly releases active medicine to lower the high pressure in the portal vein that leads to ascites. Researchers are working on the drug formulation and testing it in laboratory and animal studies, with the intention of moving into human testing if safety and effects are acceptable. The goal is to provide a longer-acting medical option that could reduce the need for frequent large-volume fluid drains and risky procedures like TIPS. Participants in future studies would be closely monitored for side effects such as blood pressure or circulation problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites who have not responded adequately to salt restriction and diuretics would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People whose ascites is well controlled with diet and diuretics, or those with contraindications to vasopressin-type drugs (for example certain heart or circulation conditions), may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce the need for repeat fluid drainage and complications and act as a medical bridge to liver transplant for people with refractory ascites.
How similar studies have performed: Related vasopressin analogs such as terlipressin have shown benefit in some liver complications, but a long-acting subcutaneous prodrug specifically for ascites is a newer approach with limited prior human data.
Where this research is happening
Bothell, United States
- Pharmain Corporation — Bothell, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castillo, Gerardo M. — Pharmain Corporation
- Study coordinator: Castillo, Gerardo M.
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.