University of Edinburgh’s Macrophage Cell Therapy slashes liver transplant need

UK—Scientists at University of Edinburgh have reported encouraging long-term results from a pioneering cell therapy designed to treat advanced liver disease, offering fresh hope to patients who currently depend on liver transplantation as their only lifesaving option.

The experimental treatment uses a patient’s own immune cells, which researchers transform into mature macrophages before reintroducing them into the body.

Once infused, the cells travel to the liver, where they help break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the growth of healthy liver tissue.

Researchers tested the therapy through the MATCH clinical trial, which involved 50 patients with advanced liver cirrhosis.

Of those participants, 26 received macrophage therapy while 24 continued with standard medical care.

After four years of follow-up, 70% of patients treated with the therapy remained alive without needing a liver transplant, compared with 40% of those who received standard care.

Long-term trial results strengthen confidence

The study also highlighted the therapy’s safety profile.

Investigators reported eight deaths among patients who received macrophage therapy, while the standard-care group recorded nine deaths and five liver transplants.

The researchers found no serious treatment-related side effects among patients who underwent the cell therapy.

The findings, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, mark one of the longest follow-up periods yet for macrophage-based regenerative therapy in liver disease.

Scientists say the results provide valuable insight into both the durability and long-term safety of the approach.

Professor Stuart Forbes, director of the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Regeneration and Repair, said liver transplantation remains severely limited by the shortage of donor organs.

He noted that many patients with advanced liver disease die while waiting for transplants, underscoring the urgent need for alternative therapies that can slow or reverse liver failure before transplantation becomes necessary.

He added that the team hopes macrophage therapy could eventually expand treatment options and reduce dependence on donor organs.

Resolution Therapeutics advances next-generation therapy

The macrophage therapy emerged from more than a decade of collaborative research between the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

In recent years, the work led to the creation of Resolution Therapeutics, a spinout company focused on regenerative macrophage therapies for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.

This week, Resolution Therapeutics announced that the new data strengthens the rationale for its ongoing Phase I/II EMERALD clinical trial, which is evaluating RTX001, an engineered macrophage therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease.

Interim data from the EMERALD study are expected later in 2026.

Unlike the original MATCH therapy, RTX001 uses genetically enhanced macrophages designed to deliver stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects.

The company said the engineered cells are intended to provide a more durable therapeutic response for patients with severe liver damage.

The study received funding from the Medical Research Council and the Chief Scientist’s Office.

Researchers from the University of Dundee, Tayside Clinical Research Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and Resolution Therapeutics also contributed to the project.