Significant advances towards a reproducible, clinically relevant large animal model of acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure.

Acute liver failure (ALF) remains a devastating, life-threatening clinical problem that is defined as sudden hepatocellular necrosis in the absence of pre-existing liver disease. The onset and clinical course of ALF is unpredictable, and despite improved critical care management, mortality remains unacceptably high. Currently, to date, liver transplantation is the only curative treatment. However, owing to the rapid progression of ALF-induced multi-organ failure, and the persistent shortage of available organs, liver transplantation is very limited. Therefore, treatment options to bridge to liver transplantation or to spontaneous liver regeneration continue to be an unmet clinical need.