This clinical trial is focused on studying a condition known as acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which occurs when someone with long-term liver disease experiences a sudden worsening of their liver function. This can lead to problems with other organs and cause a buildup of harmful substances in the body, such as ammonia. This buildup can result in a condition called hepatic encephalopathy, which affects the brain and can lead to confusion and other mental changes. The trial is specifically looking at patients with ACLF grades 1 and 2 who also have a condition called ascites, where fluid accumulates in the abdomen.

The study is testing a new treatment called VS-01, which is given as a suspension for infusion directly into the abdominal cavity. The purpose of the study is to evaluate how effective, safe, and tolerable VS-01 is when used alongside the standard care that patients with ACLF already receive. Some patients will receive VS-01 in addition to their usual treatment, while others will continue with their standard care alone. The study will last for a short period, with the treatment being administered daily over four days.

Participants in the study will be monitored to see how their condition changes over time, with a particular focus on their CLIF-C ACLF score, which is a measure used to assess the severity of ACLF. The study will also look at other outcomes, such as survival rates and any side effects related to the treatment. The goal is to determine whether adding VS-01 to the standard care can improve outcomes for patients with ACLF and ascites.