A groundbreaking trial has found that a new cell-based therapy could offer hope to people suffering from liver cirrhosis, a serious and life-threatening condition. The Medical Research Council-funded clinical trial, known as MATCH, tested a treatment using cells called macrophages that were created from the patients’ own blood. In the study, 27 patients received the macrophage therapy, while 24 others received standard care. Remarkably, none of the patients in the treatment group experienced severe liver-related complications or deaths in the year following treatment. In contrast, five patients in the standard care group had severe complications, and three died, two due to liver-related issues. IRR Director Professor Stuart Forbes led the trial team, along with co-investigator Professor Jonathan Fallowfield. Unfortunately there are few effective treatments for patients with liver cirrhosis. These are promising results, we hope to further refine this treatment to improve the lives of patients who have severe disease. Professor Stuart Forbes A major step in treating a serious diseaseLiver disease is a global health challenge, causing around two million deaths every year. Most of these deaths are due to complications of cirrhosis, a severe form of liver damage caused by chronic liver injury. Patients with the most advanced stage of cirrhosis (‘decompensated cirrhosis’) can have a life expectancy of just two years, as well as a significant reduction in quality of life and heavy reliance on caregivers. Currently there are no approved medicines specifically for liver cirrhosis. This new therapy represents a potential step forward, offering hope for a treatment that could improve survival and quality of life for patients. The UK is facing a liver disease crisis, with the number of deaths doubling in the last 20 years. With limited treatment options available, the promising results from the Phase 2 MATCH trial are an encouraging breakthrough for patients with liver cirrhosis. A spokesperson from the British Liver Trust How the therapy worksThe macrophage therapy uses the body’s own immune system to help heal the liver. The macrophages travel to the liver, where they break down scar tissue, reduce harmful inflammation, and encourage the growth of healthy liver cells.Professor Stuart Forbes is a clinical hepatologist, IRR Director, and group leader in the Centre for Regenerative Medicine has spent over a decade researching macrophages. He and his team, funded by the Medical Research Council, have been investigating ways to understand and enhance the natural regenerative features of macrophage cells to create more effective medicines for liver disease. The MATCH studies have been conducted in partnership with the Scottish National Blood Transusion Servce, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, and NHS Lothian.This research has also led to the launch of a new study called the EMERALD trial, conducted by Resolution Therapeutics, a company developing this innovative therapy further.The results of the MATCH trial were published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine.Read the paper in Nature Medicine Resolution TherapeuticsScottish National Blood Transfusion ServiceProfessor Stuart Forbes' research groupAn explanation of the science of the trial Tags CRM CIR Publication date 10 Jan, 2025
