Circe Biomedical

Circe Biomedical was a Lexington, Massachusetts-based biomedical company that developed bioartificial organ support systems using living cell technology for patients with acute liver, pancreatic, and kidney failure. Its flagship product, the HepatAssist bioartificial liver system, used porcine hepatocytes in an extracorporeal circuit to temporarily support liver function in patients awaiting transplantation or liver recovery. The company also developed PancreAssist, a bioartificial pancreas system. Circe Biomedical conducted multiple clinical trials of the HepatAssist device and was a pioneer in the field of cell-based organ support therapy. The company was acquired by ICN Pharmaceuticals in October 2002.