Sydney scientists have successfully kept two human livers functioning for one week outside the body using a novel organ-preserving machine.

This achievement is a world-first and paves the way for direct testing of gene therapies on human organs, potentially accelerating advancements in genetic disease and cancer treatments.

The livers used in the study were donated by individuals and met the health criteria necessary for the research.

The goal of the research is to enhance the efficiency and affordability of gene therapies, while lowering the risks associated with liver toxicity and adverse reactions.

A new model for evaluating gene therapy using an entire human liver has been developed, aiming to reduce animal testing in preclinical trials and improve the development of viral vectors for future treatments.

The model has shown positive results in testing AAV-based gene therapies and is crucial for studying the functionality of AAV vectors in human livers.

This innovation has garnered global interest and holds the potential to expedite the introduction of advanced therapies to Australian patients through clinical trials.