Improving Pig Kidney Transplants for People
Strategies to Optimize Pig-to-Primate Kidney Xenograft Survival
This research aims to make pig kidney transplants more successful for people who need a new kidney.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167167 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people are waiting for a kidney transplant, and unfortunately, some may not receive one in time. This project explores using kidneys from pigs as a potential solution to the organ shortage. The main challenge is preventing the human body from rejecting the pig kidney, which happens because of differences between species. Researchers are working to understand and overcome these rejection issues to make xenotransplantation a safe and effective option for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with end-stage kidney disease who are currently on transplant waiting lists or those who may need a kidney transplant in the future.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require a kidney transplant would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a much-needed supply of organs for thousands of patients waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant.
How similar studies have performed: While xenotransplantation has shown promise in animal models, consistently preventing rejection in the long term remains a significant challenge that this research seeks to address.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Andrew B — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Adams, Andrew B
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 below.