Extended, non-frozen storage for kidney transplants using smart cryoprotectants
Official title: Phase IIB - Greatly Extended Subzero Ischemic Storage of Renal Allografts Using Novel Bio-inspired Next Generation Cryoprotectants
Funded at X-Therma INC. · NIH-11405551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses advanced cryoprotectants to dramatically extend the time kidneys can be kept before transplant, aiming to save more lives by reducing geographic barriers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | X-Therma INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hercules, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,100,001 |
| NIH project number | 2R44DK136396-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with end-stage kidney disease eligible for kidney transplantation using donor organs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in kidney transplantation or where donors are not a consideration may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project aims to keep donated kidneys usable for much longer than today’s limits by using novel, bio-inspired cryoprotectants and subzero preservation. It combines chemistry advances with transplant expertise to test the safety and effectiveness of non-frozen storage and assess how well kidneys can be transplanted after extended ischemia times. The work plans to integrate into current surgical workflows and address real-world issues like donor–recipient matching and coordination. The effort seeks to build a robust data set to support longer preservation times and better organ utilization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive transplants sooner or from a wider geographic area, potentially reducing wait times and improving graft survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous organ preservation efforts have shown that improved preservation methods can extend viability, but this project aims to substantially extend ischemia tolerance.
Where this research is happening
-
X-Therma INC.
Hercules, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kline, Mark a — X-Therma INC.
- Study coordinator: Kline, Mark a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving the preservation of kidney transplants using advanced cryoprotectants
This study is looking at new ways to keep kidney transplants safe and healthy for longer periods, which could help more people get the organs they need and recover faster after surgery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.