Abstract:It is still an unmet goal to use functional hepatocytes generated by stem cell technology for treatment of human liver diseases. Liver transplantation is so far the only efficient treatment for end-stage liver failures， which is however limited by the shortage of donor organs. “The research and development of the bioartificial liver supporting system” is one of the key programs of the Strategic Priority Research Projecton Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine launched by Chinese Academy of Sciences. By development of new functional hepatocytes (hiHep cells) and adapting them into available bioreactors， we generate a new model of bioartificial liver supporting system (hiHep-BAL) with the aim to providing hepatic function support for patients with acute liver failures or acute-onchronic liver failure. Recently， the pre-clinical studies of hiHep-BAL on large animals demonstrated its therapeutic effect on liver failure pigs. Here， we reviewed our research progress and achievements in this five-year project.