A team of Korea-based Seoul National University and Kangwon National University scientists developed an artificial liver based on the pig liver for use in human transplants, the Korea Business Wire reports.
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.