New methods for preserving kidneys for transplantation
Official title: New approaches to kidney banking through nature-inspired high sub-zero preservation strategies
Funded at Expanse Bio LLC · NIH-10932324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to keep kidneys healthy for longer by cooling them down really well, which could help more people get the kidney transplants they need and find better matches with donors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Expanse Bio LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $897,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK117801-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients on the kidney transplant waitlist who are in need of a donor organ.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already received a kidney transplant or those who are not on the transplant waitlist may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on innovative techniques for preserving kidneys at very low temperatures to extend their viability for transplantation. By improving preservation methods, the project aims to increase the number of kidneys available for patients in need, potentially allowing for better matching between donors and recipients. The approach includes using nature-inspired strategies to maintain organ quality over longer periods, which could lead to significant advancements in kidney transplantation practices. The research also explores the use of preserved kidney tissues for drug testing and other medical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the availability of transplantable kidneys, improving outcomes for patients on the transplant waitlist.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in organ preservation techniques, but this specific approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Expanse Bio LLC
North Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weegman, Bradley P — Expanse Bio LLC
- Study coordinator: Weegman, Bradley P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Neonatal and Young Kidneys: Safer, Longer Kidney Storage with Nanowarming and Glassy Preservation
A project to help save kidneys for babies and young children by using advanced cooling and warming methods that protect the organs for longer storage before transplantation.
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Longer-lasting kidney storage using nature-inspired cold techniques
This project is developing ways to keep donated kidneys safely preserved for a week or more so more people waiting for transplants can get better-matched organs.
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Longer preservation of donor kidneys for infants and young children using nanowarming and vitrification
This project uses a special freeze-and-nanowarm method to keep donor kidneys usable longer so infants and young children can get better matches.
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Improving kidney preservation for infants and young children
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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.