UAE professor develops artificial liver

Dubai - The model developed by Dr Hilal Al Naqbi can be carried to wherever a patient is seeking treatment

An artificial liver that could save thousands of lives in the UAE is currently being tested on animals. The bio-artificial model of the liver with three chambers has been invented by Dr Hilal Al Naqbi, a professor at the UAE University, and it is said to be the first of its kind in the country.
"I started working on this model in 2011 and was granted a patent in 2014," he told Khaleej Times.
Though there are no organ transplant facilities in the UAE, the model can be carried to wherever a patient is seeking treatment.
"Once the bio-artificial liver is available, it will work as a bridge for patients who are on the waiting list to receive a liver transplant. This will work as a short-term stop-gap option until they receive the transplant."
The three-chambered model is currently being tested on a rat after successful in vitro experiments were carried out in the lab. "It may take us between one to three years to start a clinical trial. We already have good results on the animal," he explained. However, it may take another seven to 10 years for the device to actually be available in the market.
The device has three chambers as compared to the regular two. "One chamber is used for incubation, another for oxygen and the third for blood supply from the patient," he said, adding that regular models do not have the third chamber due to which cells can die within three to four weeks.
"The device will stay viable for two to three months due to the oxygen supply that is delivered to the cells through this chamber," said Dr Al Naqbi.
He presented details of the project at the Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) Health Innovation Village set up at the Kite Beach. He was also given the UAE Pioneers Award for the project in 2014.
"The device can be hooked up outside the patient's body and help in detoxification," he said.
Dr Al Naqbi said another advanced design without cells was being developed and would be announced in due course.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
UAE professor on course to developing artificial liver

• UAE