New Methods for Heart Transplant Acceptance
New Approaches to Inducing Cardiac Allograft Tolerance
['FUNDING_P01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11140408
This research explores new ways to help people who receive heart transplants keep their new organ healthy without needing to take strong anti-rejection medicines forever.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11140408 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
For people who receive a heart transplant, the biggest challenge is often taking anti-rejection medications for life, which can have serious side effects. This research is looking for ways to help your body accept a new heart without needing these strong medicines forever. While similar methods have worked for kidney transplants, hearts have been harder for the body to 'tolerate.' Our team has found a promising new approach in animal models that allows the body to accept a transplanted heart long-term. We are now working to adapt this breakthrough into a practical solution for human patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals who have received or will receive a heart transplant.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone organ transplantation or do not have conditions requiring a heart transplant would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could allow heart transplant recipients to live healthier lives free from the burden and side effects of lifelong anti-rejection drugs.
How similar studies have performed: While achieving tolerance for heart transplants has been challenging, similar approaches have shown success in kidney transplants, and this team has achieved promising results in animal models for heart transplants.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MADSEN, JOREN C — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: MADSEN, JOREN C
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.