Using bile acids to improve treatment for metabolic diseases
Official title: Targeting bile acid composition to treat metabolic diseases
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11013360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bile acids can help treat obesity-related health issues like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease by blocking a specific enzyme, which could lead to new medications with fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $599,308 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138665-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 who are struggling with obesity or related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bile acids in treating obesity-related metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The approach focuses on inhibiting a specific enzyme, CYP8B1, which regulates bile acid composition in the body. By developing targeted inhibitors for this enzyme, the research aims to enhance metabolic health and reduce obesity-related complications. Patients may benefit from new pharmacological therapies that have fewer side effects compared to current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for obesity and its associated metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting bile acid composition is innovative, similar research has shown promise in other metabolic disease treatments, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Wendong — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Huang, Wendong
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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.