In a Los Angeles Times article we read that Arbios Systems Inc., a small LA company, has received FDA approval to start limited clinical trials of a blood purification device. Sepet™ filter is a small disposable cylinder that facilitates removal of substances that accumulate during liver failure.
The company explains:
Arbios has designed SEPET™ (selective plasma filtration therapy), a single-use cartridge that contains specially designed porous tubes. Arbios is developing Sepet™ as a blood detoxification measure to provide temporary liver support during acute liver failure and acute exacerbation of chronic liver disease.
SEPET™ therapy will be provided through a single-use, disposable cartridge containing a bundle of hollow fibers made of a bio- and hemo-compatible material, capable of sieving substances with molecular weight of up to 100 kDa. When patient’s blood is pumped through these fibers, substances normally metabolized by the liver and accumulated in the blood during liver failure move across the porous wall and are discarded. Depending on individual patients needs, electrolyte solution, human albumin solution, fresh frozen plasma or a combination thereof is used as a replacement fluid.
It is expected that as a result of these two processes, the levels of pathological and normal blood components present in the patient’s circulation will move toward normal ranges, thereby facilitating recovery from liver failure.
SEPET™ is designed for use with any commercially available kidney dialysis unit and/or plasma apheresis system utilizing hollow-fiber cartridges. Based on published medical literature, rapid and efficient blood detoxification is expected to protect the liver, brain and other organs against further injury, accelerate healing of the native liver and improve its residual functions.
More at Arbios Systems…