Descripción del proyecto
Un nuevo dispositivo de diálisis hepática
La insuficiencia hepática conlleva la acumulación de toxinas y aumenta la vulnerabilidad del paciente a las infecciones, lo que a la larga provoca una insuficiencia multiorgánica y la muerte prematura. Aunque el trasplante de hígado es el único método para prolongar la vida de las personas con insuficiencia hepática, su eficacia se ve limitada por la escasez de órganos y sus elevados costes sanitarios. Para dar respuesta a esta necesidad clínica insatisfecha, los científicos del proyecto ALIVER, financiado con fondos europeos, han creado un novedoso dispositivo de diálisis hepática: DIALIVE. Los resultados de las pruebas preclínicas son prometedores, ya que el dispositivo mejora la función de la albúmina y reduce los niveles de endotoxinas. El equipo del proyecto ALIVER llevará a cabo ensayos clínicos de DIALIVE en pacientes con insuficiencia hepática aguda o crónica a fin de obtener el marcado CE para su futuro uso clínico.
Objetivo
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.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoriaConvocatoria de subcontratación
H2020-SC1-2016-RTD
Régimen de financiación
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinador
WC1E 6BT London
Reino Unido