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Biliary Atresia Update

The overall goals for the BA FTC in the long term and in the short term include the following:

  • finding ways to prevent, treat, and cure the pediatric liver disease, biliary atresia;
  • advancing basic knowledge about biliary atresia;
  • leveraging National Institutes of Health (NIH) government funded research with American Liver Foundation privately raised funds;
  • promoting the study of biliary atresia among researchers and scientists;
  • raising 5.5 million $5.5 million for biliary atresia research over the next 10 years. However, there is unlimited potential to do even more financially.

This past year we have made wonderful progress.

  1. We are excited to report that the first ever NIH/ALF International Symposium on Biliary Atresia was held in Washington on September 11, 2006, during which, we formulated the essential research agenda for Biliary Atresia. This Symposium was made possible through funding provided by the American Liver Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and Team Nicholas (information about Team Nicholas may be found below).
  2. Brochures detailing risks of prolonged Neonatal Jaundice were distributed to pediatricians and parents. Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric liver disease, especially Biliary Atresia, will save lives.
  3. Research is underway regarding the inflammatory mediators causing Biliary Atresia and disease progression. It is hoped that this will lead to medications that will alter disease progression and the need for liver transplantation.
  4. Studies regarding the likely viral etiology of Biliary Atresia are in progress. This may lead to prenatal and postnatal testing resulting in early diagnosis, and later, to prevention of new cases, resulting in a cure.

There are four targets to work towards in fundraising for research, those include:

  • $225,000 over two years to fund a Liver Scholar;
  • $200,000 over two years to fund an Special Research Initiative Grant for Biliary Atresia;
  • $100,000 over two years to fund an Innovative Hepatology Seed Grant;
  • $12,500 over one year to fund a Postdoctoral Fellow.

2007 Research Awardee for Biliary Atresia

  • Alexander G. Miethke, MD, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
    Project Title: The Role of Regulatory T Cells in the Pathogenesis of Experimental Biliary Atresia

2006 Special Research Initiative Awardees for Biliary Atresia

  • Jorge A. Bezerra, MD
    Biliary Atresia Special Initiative
    Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
    Project Title: Pre-clinical Trial to Block Progression of Duct Obstruction in Biliary Atresia
  • Cara L. Mack, MD
    Biliary Atresia Special Initiative
    The Children's Hospital, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, CO
    Project Title: Investigation of Pathogenic Autoreactive T-cells in Biliary Atresia

Contribute to the BA FTC today by contacting ALF by mail or by phone:

  • American Liver Foundation
  • 2515 Camino del Rio South, Suite 122
  • San Diego, CA 92108
  • Phone: (619) 291-5483


Fundraising Opportunity - California Liver Walk on May 5, 2007

If you would like to donated to a fundraising effort specifically for BA FTC, you may want to find out more about support Team Nicholas who raises funds each year for BA FTC as part of the California Liver Walk through the San Diego Zoo on May 5, 2007. For more information about Team Nicholas, how to get involved, and/or to donated today, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Page updated: March 14th, 2007