Breakthrough Macrophage Therapy Shows Promise for Liver Health

A novel cell therapy developed by University of Edinburgh researchers is showing significant promise as a potential treatment for advanced liver disease, offering an alternative to liver transplantation. This pioneering approach utilizes a patient's own immune cells, specifically macrophages, to target and repair scarred liver tissue.

The macrophages are derived from a patient's blood, re-engineered to break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and promote the regeneration of healthy liver cells. This innovative treatment was tested in the Match clinical trial.

Results from the four-year follow-up of the Match trial indicated that 70% of patients receiving the macrophage therapy did not require a liver transplant, compared to only 40% of those receiving standard medical care. The study also reported no serious side-effects.

Professor Stuart Forbes highlighted the critical need for alternative treatments due to the limited availability of donor organs for transplantation, a factor that contributes to deaths among those awaiting surgery. The British Liver Trust has welcomed these findings, emphasizing the profound hope this therapy offers to patients facing devastating prognoses.

Further research is ongoing with a new version of the therapy, known as RTX001, being tested in the Emerald clinical trial. This advancement builds upon the work of Professor Forbes and his collaborators, including the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and spinout company Resolution Therapeutics.