The liver is the largest organ in the body and performs a variety of tasks that impact all parts of the body. As a result, liver disease has widespread effects on virtually all other organ systems. Remarkably, the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. Numerous attempts have been made over the past 30 years to develop a surrogate technique to provide either partial or total metabolic support for the patient with a failing liver. The technical and clinical objective is to provide a temporary liver assist until a patient's own liver regenerates or until a liver transplant can be performed

The instrument console provides control of the process, detecting potentially hazardous conditions and alerting the operator to appropriate corrective actions

The technology is protected by issued US and European patents. The patent describes a platform technology of high-density cell culture that can be extended beyond liver cells to a wide variety of other cell types including pancreatic islets and other endocrine cells. The Company's bioartificial liver system has also been designated an "Orphan Product" by the FDA for the treatment of acute liver failure. Among the several benefits of the Orphan Drug Act, is a seven year market exclusivity following FDA marketing approval.