A new MRI technique could see inside the Liver's metabolism without a biopsy

NCT ID NCT06176079

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Michael Ohliger, MD PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study is testing whether a specialized MRI technique using hyperpolarized pyruvate can non-invasively detect metabolic changes in the liver that are linked to fatty liver disease. The study will include people with simple fatty liver (NAFL), those with the more advanced form (NASH), and healthy volunteers. The goal is to optimize the imaging method and see if it can distinguish between these groups, which could eventually lead to a safer alternative to liver biopsies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate and 13C-urea, injected intravenously, used with MRI to image liver metabolism
What this could lead to: If successful, this imaging approach could offer a non-invasive way to detect and monitor fatty liver disease progression, potentially reducing the need for biopsies.
What could go wrong: This is an early pilot study focused on optimizing imaging techniques, not a treatment. The metabolic signals may not clearly distinguish between disease stages, and the approach requires specialized equipment and expertise.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

NAFLD NASH NON ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE NON-ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

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