Using S-adenosylmethionine to treat alcoholic cirrhosis
Official title: S-adenosylmethionine treatment in alcoholic cirrhosis
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11097467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a supplement called SAMe might help people with alcoholic cirrhosis, a serious liver problem, by seeing if it can improve liver health and overall well-being compared to a placebo, and we're inviting 196 participants to join us in this friendly trial at several hospitals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $273,786 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AA026817-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis, particularly those classified as Child class A and B.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cirrhosis not related to alcohol consumption or those with advanced liver disease (Child class C) may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) on patients suffering from alcoholic cirrhosis, a serious liver condition. The study will involve a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants will receive either SAMe or a placebo to assess its impact on liver health and overall mortality. The trial aims to enroll 196 participants, including those with varying severity of cirrhosis, to evaluate the potential benefits of SAMe in improving liver function and reducing inflammation. The research is being conducted across multiple centers, including Indiana University Hospital and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that improves liver health and reduces mortality in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with SAMe in liver-related conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liangpunsakul, Suthat — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Liangpunsakul, Suthat
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Statin therapy for people with compensated cirrhosis
A big, long-term study at a major university is looking at whether statins can help people with compensated cirrhosis live longer and feel better.
-
Liver Cirrhosis Network: Centers for Clinical Research
A multicenter study in people with cirrhosis from different causes (including HIV, NASH, and alcohol-related liver disease) to collect data and samples and test new ways to predict and monitor disease progression.
-
Outcomes in cirrhosis from different causes and the role of HIV and simvastatin
This study looks at how cirrhosis from alcohol, HIV, and other causes affects patients and whether simvastatin can influence outcomes.
-
Liver Cirrhosis Network: Mayo Clinic's Clinical Research Center
A Mayo Clinic-led project will follow and help people with compensated cirrhosis, using data, imaging, and a big AI tool to predict when complications may happen and test whether a statin can improve outcomes.
-
Understanding how risk factors affect progression of cirrhosis and response to statins in patients with cirrhosis
This project follows people with cirrhosis to see what factors speed up their liver disease and whether statin medicines help prevent worsening.
-
Cirrhosis Network study to understand mortality and therapies
A large, multi-center study in people with cirrhosis to find better ways to predict deaths and test the potential of statins to prevent complications like liver cancer and liver failure.
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.