Here’s what you should know.
1. The project started in 2012 to combat the leading cause of death in Korea, liver cancer.
2. The only refractory liver disease treatment was transplantation, which was difficult in Korea because of the low donation rates. Korean officials expect the artificial liver could alleviate the organ deficiencies after further development.
3. The artificial liver is similar to an actual human liver in structure and function as it is free of retroviruses.
4. The researchers feel when combined induced pluripotent stem cells, the liver could be available for treatment in the coming years.
More articles on gastroenterology/endoscopy:
GI leader to know: Dr. Henry Levine of the Center for Digestive Health
Welsh researchers make ‘breakthrough’ in diagnosing bowel cancer: 5 key notes
GI leader to know: Dr. Ivan Friedrich of The Gastroenterology Group of Northern New Jersey
