Using lipid nanoparticles to extend telomeres for treating alcoholic hepatitis
Official title: TERT mRNA lipid nanoparticles to extend telomeres to treat alcoholic hepatitis
Funded at Rejuvenation Technologies, INC. · NIH-10932205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rejuvenation Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mountain View, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 10, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,858,106 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AA028749-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis, particularly those with severe forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcoholic hepatitis or those with liver conditions unrelated to alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Rejuvenation Technologies, INC.
Mountain View, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramunas, John — Rejuvenation Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ramunas, John
Related research
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Telomere-extending therapy to help alcohol-related liver damage
A new treatment uses a telomere-lengthening mRNA delivered to the liver to help people with alcohol-related hepatitis get better.
-
Improving RNA therapies delivered through intravenous infusion
This study is looking at a new way to help people with age-related diseases, like liver and lung issues, by using special tiny particles to deliver a treatment that can help repair cells and improve their health without causing unwanted immune reactions.
-
Improving delivery of mRNA to stem and progenitor cells for better health.
This study is exploring a new way to deliver a special type of mRNA to help your body's cells heal and regenerate better, which could be really helpful for people dealing with age-related health issues or organ problems.
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.