Using patient-derived liver models to improve drug testing and clinical trial selection
Official title: Qualification of Patient-Derived Biomimetic Liver MPS as Drug Discovery Tools for Drug Metabolism, Toxicity, Drug Efficacy Testing and Clinical Trial Cohort Selection
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11003749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to create better models of the liver using cells from people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, so we can test new medications more effectively and safely, and it needs patients from the Fatty Liver, Obesity, and Wellness Clinic to help provide those cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,386,233 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CTR004863-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who are enrolled in the UPMC FLOW Clinic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver conditions or those not enrolled in the UPMC FLOW Clinic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced liver models that mimic human liver functions using cells derived from patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By utilizing these biomimetic liver microphysiology systems, the project aims to enhance drug discovery and testing processes, ensuring that new medications are more effective and safer for diverse patient populations. The study will analyze how individual patient characteristics, such as genetics and lifestyle, affect drug metabolism and efficacy, ultimately aiming to improve clinical trial outcomes. Patients enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Fatty Liver, Obesity, and Wellness Clinic will play a crucial role in providing the necessary cell samples for this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective drug therapies for patients with liver-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using patient-derived models for drug testing, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schurdak, Mark E — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Schurdak, Mark E
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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.