£2.2 million grant funds liver dialysis device trials

Researchers have received a £2.2 million grant to fund clinical trials for a new liver dialysis device. This grant comes from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR). The device, known as DIALIVE or YAQ002, aims to help patients with serious liver disease. The DIALIVE device uses dialysis to cleanse the blood of harmful substances. This method is usually associated with kidney treatment. It is designed for patients suffering from Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF), a severe condition that can lead to multiple organ failure. ACLF affects millions worldwide each year, and the risk of dying within 28 days is high for many patients. Early studies showed that DIALIVE helped resolve liver failure more quickly and effectively than standard treatments. Results from these studies indicated that patients using DIALIVE had better outcomes within a 10-day treatment period. Troels Jordansen, CEO of Yaqrit, expressed optimism about the grant. He said it allows the team to advance this important technology that can significantly help liver failure patients. The trials will start after ethical approvals and will involve about 70 critically ill patients. Those in the trial will receive up to seven sessions of treatment over ten days. Professor Rajiv Jalan of UCL, who plays a key role in the study, highlighted the importance of the trials for advanced liver disease patients. He noted the goal is to improve patient survival rates and reduce hospital stays. The trial results are expected by 2027, marking a potential breakthrough for treatment options in liver care.