Using lipid nanoparticles to extend telomeres for treating alcoholic hepatitis

TERT mRNA lipid nanoparticles to extend telomeres to treat alcoholic hepatitis

NIH-funded research Rejuvenation Technologies, INC. · NIH-10932205

This study is testing a new treatment for alcoholic hepatitis that uses tiny particles to deliver a special type of genetic material to help heal liver cells, with the hope of improving liver health for people struggling with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRejuvenation Technologies, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Mountain View, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10932205 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for alcoholic hepatitis (AH) by utilizing lipid nanoparticles to deliver TERT mRNA, which is believed to help extend telomeres in liver cells. Telomeres are crucial for maintaining the health and regenerative capacity of liver cells, and their shortening is linked to the severity of AH. The study builds on successful animal models that mimic the disease, aiming to translate these findings into potential therapies for humans. By addressing the underlying cellular damage caused by alcohol consumption, this approach seeks to improve liver function and patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis, particularly those with severe forms of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcoholic hepatitis or those with liver conditions unrelated to alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from alcoholic hepatitis, potentially improving liver health and survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery is gaining traction, this specific application for alcoholic hepatitis is novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects.

Where this research is happening

Mountain View, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alcoholic Liver Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.