Arbios Technologies

Arbios Technologies was a U.S. biomedical device company focused on extracorporeal liver support systems for patients with liver failure. Its main programs included a bioartificial liver platform, including HepatAssist and later hybrid BAL approaches, as well as the SEPET liver assist device for blood purification in severe liver disease. The company originated around technology developed by founders associated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and sought to combine detoxification with liver cell-based support. In October 2002, Arbios Technologies was acquired in a reverse-merger transaction by Shiprock, which later changed its name to Arbios Systems, and Arbios Technologies was subsequently merged into Arbios Systems in July 2005. The broader Arbios business later suspended operations and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2009 after selling HepatAssist to HepaLife Technologies in October 2008.