§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on research within the NHS into developing the technique of transplanting hepatocytes into those suffering a variety of liver diseases. [114312]
§ Mr. LammyResearch on the transplantation of hepatocytes into those suffering from liver disease has been undertaken by Dr. Anil Dhawan of the Supra Regional Paediatric Service at King's College Hospital National Health Service Trust. The primary aim of the project is to develop the use of isolated hepatocytes for clinical cell transplantation in paediatric patients with liver-associated metabolic defects or acute liver failure, as an alternative to whole liver transplantation. The research involves the establishment of a new facility and a case control study. It has been funded by the Children's Liver Disease Foundation and the National Lotteries Charities Board.