Preclinical Experience of the Mayo Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver (SRBAL) in Management of Acute Liver Failure

The Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver (SRBAL) is an innovative treatment option for acute liver failure (ALF). This extracorporeal support device, which provides detoxification and other functions using high-density culture of porcine hepatocyte spheroids, has been reported in three randomized large animal studies. A meta-analysis these preclinical studies was performed to establish efficacy SRBAL terms survival benefit neuroprotective effect. included two hepatotoxic drug models ALF (D-galactosamine, α-amanitin/lipopolysaccharide) or a resection model (85% hepatectomy) pigs monkeys. started different settings starting at 12 h, 24 h 48 after induction ALF; comparisons were made with similar control groups each model. therapy associated significant benefits all ALF. dose dependent the most effective configuration being continuous duration 200 g hepatic spheroids. Future clinical testing patients appears warranted.