Therapeutic innovation

Liposomal peritoneal dialysis for the management of hepatic encephalopathy

The issue

VS-01 is a potentially lifesaving, multi-organ support therapy with the potential to timely reverse acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) by enhancing the clearance of ammonia and other toxins following paracentesis.

The approach

This single-center, open-label, single ascending and repeated doses, phase Ib clinical trial is designed to assess the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of VS-01 in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Results have shown that single and repeated intraperitoneal administrations of VS-01 are safe and well tolerated in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. VS-01 has been found to markedly improve the psychometric test results and efficiently clear ammonia and ACLF-associated metabolites from blood supporting future development of VS-01 in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy and ACLF.