Researchers at UCL have developed innovative carbon beads that have been shown to reduce bad bacteria and inflammation in animal models, which are associated with liver cirrhosis and other serious health issues. The study, published in Gut, demonstrated that the carbon beads, licensed to UCL-spinout Yaqrit, were effective in restoring gut health and improving liver, kidney, and brain function in rats and mice. The next step will involve testing these benefits in humans to potentially treat diseases linked to poor gut health.
It is estimated that around 100 million people worldwide are living with cirrhosis of the liver, and 10 million have cirrhosis with an additional complication. The influence of the gut microbiome on health is becoming increasingly appreciated, as an imbalance can lead to ‘bad’ bacteria dominating the gut environment, resulting in inflammation and damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. Traditional treatment for cirrhosis involves antibiotics, but this can lead to antibiotic resistance and is typically used in late-stage disease.
To address this issue, scientists at UCL collaborated with Yaqrit to develop tiny oral carbon beads designed to adsorb both large and small molecules in the gut. Known as CARBALIVE, the carbon beads were found to be effective in preventing liver scarring, reducing injury, and improving survival rates in animal models of cirrhosis. Testing on cirrhosis patients showed the beads to be safe with minimal side effects, paving the way for further trials in humans to assess their potential in treating liver disease.
The novel carbon beads work by absorbing endotoxins and other metabolites produced by ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut, creating a healthier environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive. By preventing these toxins from spreading to other areas of the body and causing damage, the beads have the potential to halt or slow the progression of liver disease. Future trials in humans will evaluate the efficacy of the carbon beads, with the hope that they can be approved for the treatment of liver disease and potentially other conditions related to poor microbiome health.
The positive impact of the carbon beads in animal models has generated optimism that similar results will be seen in humans, offering a promising new approach to treating liver disease and other health conditions affected by gut microbiome dysbiosis. The journey from research at UCL to the development of the carbon beads by Yaqrit, with funding support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, underscores the potential for these innovative therapies to address a range of health challenges. With further trials on the horizon, the carbon beads may soon be approved for clinical use, offering hope for improved outcomes in liver disease and beyond.
