Under-the-skin medicine for fluid buildup (ascites) from portal hypertension
Official title: Subcutaneous Drug Development for Portal Hypertension Ascites
Funded at Pharmain Corporation · NIH-11193954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 22, 2014 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,638,464 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK103553-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with advanced liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites who have not responded adequately to salt restriction and diuretics would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Pharmain Corporation
Bothell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castillo, Gerardo M. — Pharmain Corporation
- Study coordinator: Castillo, Gerardo M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Noninvasive portal pressure estimation using ultrasound-based subharmonic signals
A noninvasive ultrasound method to estimate portal vein pressure in adults with cirrhosis to help manage varices and ascites.
-
Noninvasive MRI test to measure liver and portal blood pressure
An advanced MRI technique to measure pressure in the liver and portal circulation for people with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.
-
How molecular changes in the liver cause portal hypertension
This project looks at how changes in proteins that control nitric oxide in liver blood vessel cells lead to portal hypertension in people with liver injury.
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Noninvasive method to measure portal vein pressure in cirrhosis
A noninvasive ultrasound technique called SHAPE could measure portal vein pressure in people with cirrhosis to help manage complications like variceal bleeding and ascites.
-
Noninvasive evaluation of liver pressure and health using advanced imaging techniques
This study is testing a new, painless way to check liver health and pressure using advanced imaging technology, which could help people with chronic liver disease get better and safer care without needing invasive procedures.
-
Understanding how liver injury affects blood flow in portal hypertension
This study is looking into how liver damage affects blood flow in people with portal hypertension, focusing on certain proteins that help control blood flow, so we can better understand the condition and find new ways to treat it.
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.