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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Internal Medicine

Clinical Liver Research

Group photo of the Clinical Liver Research Group at their Fall 2023 Retreat.

At the Clinical Liver Research Group at the Indiana University School of Medicine, we are dedicated to providing individualized, high‑quality care for patients with liver disorders. We believe that clinical research is essential to advancing the understanding and treatment of liver disease. Through well‑designed clinical trials and studies, we evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new therapies, generate knowledge that shapes clinical practice, and strive to improve outcomes for patients today and for generations to come. Our work is made possible by the generosity of patients and families who choose to participate, and we remain committed to conducting rigorous, impactful research that truly makes a difference.

Clinical Trial Participation

Find more information about the benefits of participating in clinical trials or learn more about current research studies.

A Legacy of Excellence in Hepatology

The Clinical Liver Research Group was founded by Naga Chalasani, MD, whose leadership has propelled the team to national and international recognition in hepatology research.

Dr. Chalasani began his career at Indiana University as an assistant professor, later serving as:

  • Division Director (2007–2020)
  • Interim Chair, Department of Medicine (2020–2021)
  • Vice President for Academic Affairs, IU Health (2022-2024)

His decades of work have advanced the field, strengthened clinical and research programs, and shaped the careers of more than 100 trainees and junior faculty.

Honoring a Distinguished Career

In 2022, the Naga P. Chalasani Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology endowment was established to recognize his profound contributions to the division, the Department of Medicine and the broader field.

The effort raised $2.3 million, and the inaugural endowed professor is Mohammad Al‑Haddad, MD, current division chief.

Photo of Drs. Vuppalanchi, Chalasani and Ghabril at the Chalasani Chair Endowment Celebration in 2022.

Research Leadership and National Impact

Dr. Chalasani has maintained continuous NIH funding since 1999 and currently leads several U01 and R01 awards. He is widely recognized as an authority in:

  • Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
  • Drug‑Induced Liver Injury (DILI)

With a Google Scholar H‑index of 105 and over 60,000 citations, he is one of Indiana University’s most published and cited investigators.

Many of his mentees now hold faculty roles at major academic centers, 19 in total, with 12 receiving federal research funding.

Why Clinical Research Matters

Participating in clinical research provides patients the opportunity to:

  • Access cutting‑edge treatments
  • Work directly with leading experts
  • Contribute to discoveries that may benefit future generations

The insights gained from clinical studies shape clinical guidelines, inform public health policy, and advance treatment options for all.

None of this progress would be possible without the generosity of patients and families who volunteer to participate.

Clinical Liver Research Publications

Clinical liver research faculty are widely published in leading scientific journals, reflecting the depth and impact of their work. To date, their research has resulted in more than 1,100 publications shared with the global medical community.

View publications on PubMed