HepaLife Technologies, Inc.
OTCBB: HPLF
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, HepaLife Technologies Inc.™, is developing its cell-based bioartificial liver system, HepaMate™, as a potentially lifesaving treatment for liver failure patients. The patented technology has previously been tested in clinical Phase I and pivotal Phase II/III studies involving more than 200 patients, making it the most clinically studied bioartificial liver. Over 50 scientific papers and book chapters have been published on the technology. HepaLife expects a new pivotal Phase III clinical trial to be successful in obtaining market approval for its HepaMate™ bioartificial liver system.
HepaMate™ Bioartificial Liver
As an extracorporeal cell-based bioartificial liver system, HepaMate™ is designed to combine blood detoxification with liver cell therapy to provide whole liver function in patients with the most severe forms of liver failure. A patented liver cell cryopreservation process provides for safe and easy storing and distribution, a significant logistic and commercial advantage.
Liver Failure
The World Health Organization estimates that over 650 million people worldwide are affected by some form of liver disease. In the US alone, there are around 500,000 critical episodes of liver problems requiring hospitalization with 80,000 deaths annually. Liver transplantation is currently the only therapy proven to extend survival, but the waiting list for liver transplants is extensive and many on the list will not receive an organ. Additionally, a growing base of hepatitis, alcohol abuse, drug overdoses, liver cancer and other factors all clearly indicate a strong need for a bioartificial liver support system.