Synthetic heparin to protect liver grafts during transplant
Official title: Development of synthetic heparin to protect liver graft from ischemia reperfusion injury during transplantation
Funded at Glyco Discoveries, INC · NIH-11411109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new carbohydrate-based agent called dekaparin is being developed to shield liver grafts from injury during the transplant process, aiming to improve transplant success and liver function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Glyco Discoveries, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $786,273 |
| NIH project number | 5R42CA285005-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing liver transplantation, including those receiving extended criteria donor livers, may be eligible for benefits if the intervention proves effective.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving liver transplants or those whose grafts are not at risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project seeks to advance a synthetic reagent, dekaparin, used in organ preservation solutions to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in liver transplants. By testing in a STTR phase II framework, researchers hope that adding dekaparin to preservation solutions will lower early graft dysfunction and biliary complications, potentially reducing the need for re-transplants. The approach combines a carbohydrate-based compound with organ preservation techniques to protect transplanted livers from damage caused by interrupted blood flow and oxygen deprivation. If successful, patients could experience better graft survival and fewer post-transplant complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may benefit from better liver graft function, longer graft survival, and fewer transplant complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports that improving preservation solutions can reduce IR injury, but this specific dekaparin strategy is novel and unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Glyco Discoveries, INC
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arnold, Katelyn — Glyco Discoveries, INC
- Study coordinator: Arnold, Katelyn
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.