Using genetics to find new treatments for diabetes and liver disease
Official title: A genomics-based strategy to precision phenotyping and drug repositioning in cardiometabolic diseases
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11005740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might play a role in type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease to help doctors predict who might be at risk and find new treatments, especially since there aren’t any approved medicines for fatty liver disease yet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $325,209 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134575-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or NAFLD, particularly those with a family history of these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other unrelated metabolic disorders or those who do not have type 2 diabetes or NAFLD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to improve risk prediction and identify potential new drug treatments. By analyzing data from the UK Biobank, the team aims to uncover how genetic and non-genetic factors interact in these diseases. They will also explore existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat NAFLD, which currently has no FDA-approved treatments. This approach may help clinicians detect early signs of disease in patients who are still asymptomatic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic analysis for drug repurposing in metabolic diseases, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vujkovic, Marijana — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Vujkovic, Marijana
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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.