In 2006, Dr. McGuckin and his team was in the spotlight for their achievement in growing the world's first artificial liver (of one pence size) from umbilical cord blood stem cells. RNL Bio’s recent establishment of a European subsidiary at Newcastle university allowed the seamless cooperation between the Korean and UK scientists, which led to the recent advance.
They are making a way that disease like liver cirrhosis could be treated with patient’s own stem cells without the risk of immune complications observed in current liver transplantation. They also might not need to wait the suitable donor because they can use their own stem cells. RNL Bio recommends storing stem cells while one is younger to preserve the potency of the cells for a potential future treatment. The firm hopes to develop the liver regeneration technology and deliver it to the millions that are looking for a treatment.
The prevalence of infection with hepatitis B virus is around 8% in South Korea. In the UK, there has been a significant increase in liver cirrhosis during the past 20 years and most liver diseases are linked to heavy drinking and obesity. As liver disease is the fifth highest cause of death in both countries, the development of a treatment has been prioritized.
About RNL Bio Co Ltd.
RNL Bio is a premier biotechnology company in Korea focused on stem cell therapeutics and life sciences technologies. Headquartered in Seoul with a recently opened state-of-the-
