Project description
A novel liver dialysis device
Liver failure leads to the accumulation of toxins and increases the patient's vulnerability to infection, ultimately resulting in multi-organ failure and premature death. While liver transplantation is the only method to extend life, its effectiveness is hindered by organ scarcity and high healthcare costs. To address this unmet clinical need, scientists of the EU-funded ALIVER project have developed a novel liver dialysis device called DIALIVE. Preclinical testing of the device shows promising results with improved albumin function and reduced endotoxins. The ALIVER project will conduct clinical trials of DIALIVE in patients with acute or chronic liver failure towards obtaining CE marking for future clinical use.
Objective
Liver disease incidence is increasing and about 170K patients die from liver failure each year in Europe. In liver failure, the accumulation of protein bound toxins and increased susceptibility to infection cause multiorgan failure and death. Liver transplantation is the only treatment known to prolong the life but is limited by availability of organs. A clinically efficacious ‘liver dialysis device’ is an unmet clinical need. The ALIVER Consortium has developed and optimised a novel ‘liver dialysis device’, DIALIVE. The DIALIVE device is protected by world-wide patents and is based upon our discovery that (i) albumin, a circulating protein involved in detoxification is reduced irreversibly in function and (ii) endotoxemia contributes to increased risk of infection in liver failure. DIALIVE incorporates albumin removal and replacement and, endotoxin removal and is a TRL5. In animal models of liver failure, DIALIVE was shown to be easy to use, safe, reduced endotoxemia and, improved albumin and immune function and, prolonged survival. The ALIVER Consortium, which is comprised of experts in liver failure, SMEs and charities proposes to perform clinical trials of DIALIVE in patients with acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). During the grant period a CE-mark will be obtained and the device will progress to a TRL7/8. Consultation with Regulatory bodies confirms that if the trials are successful, a CE-mark is highly likely. Grifols, a large plasma proteins company is a potential licensee of the technology if the studies proposed by the ALIVER Consortium are positive.
We plan to take the project through regulatory and ethics approval and perform a study to define its safety in ACLF patients in 18 European hospitals; define health economic benefits to the EU and define a reimbursement strategy. The results will be disseminated widely and results exploited to benefit patients, EU healthcare system, create new jobs and grow healthcare Industry in Europe.
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Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
WC1E 6BT London
United Kingdom