Antibody treatment prevents organ rejection in primate transplant study.
Antibody treatment prevents organ rejection in primate transplant study.
New Monoclonal Antibody Shows Promise in Preventing Organ Rejection after Transplants
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There is exciting news in the field of organ transplantation! A recent study conducted on non-human primates has shown potential for using a manmade monoclonal antibody to help prevent organ rejection after a transplant. The researchers found that this specific antibody, known as AT-1501, was successful in promoting graft survival after kidney and pancreatic islet cell transplantations. This breakthrough paves the way for human clinical trials.
Lead author Dr. Imran Anwar, a surgical research fellow at Duke University School of Medicine, explains that while current medications for preventing organ rejection are generally effective, they come with a host of side effects. These therapies suppress the immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to infections and organ damage. Moreover, these medications often cause non-immune complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The medical community has been working on developing new, less toxic drugs for organ rejection prevention, and this monoclonal antibody could be a significant step towards that goal.
AT-1501 was specifically engineered to minimize the risk of blood clots, an issue that arose with a previous version of the antibody. In the primates who underwent kidney transplants, AT-1501 prevented rejection without the need for additional immunosuppressive drugs. Importantly, it did not promote blood clots. This is incredibly promising as blood clotting can lead to dangerous complications.
For animals that received islet transplantation, AT-1501 was effective when combined with existing immunosuppressive agents, but not when used alone. Islets are clusters of cells found throughout the pancreas, and transplanting them can help individuals with diabetes produce healthy levels of insulin. The combination therapies used in this study for islet transplantation resulted in uniform islet graft survival without weight loss or infections, typically common post-transplant issues.
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Co-author Dr. Allan Kirk, chair of Duke’s surgery department, expressed his optimism about the results, stating, “These data support AT-1501 as a safe and effective agent to promote both islet and kidney transplant survival and function, and allow us to advance into clinical trials right away.” He further added, “This less toxic approach has been pursued for over 20 years, and I think we are finally at a turning point. This could be a great advance for people in need of organ transplants.”
AT-1501 is being developed by Eledon Pharmaceuticals (formerly known as Anelixis Therapeutics) for kidney and islet cell transplantation. The study, which was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, was published online on August 30, 2023, in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
This groundbreaking research offers hope to the countless individuals worldwide in need of organ transplants. By reducing the reliance on immunosuppressive drugs and their associated side effects, the potential use of AT-1501 could revolutionize the field of organ transplantation. The next step involves human clinical trials to further test the efficacy and safety of this promising monoclonal antibody. With continued advancements in medical research, the future of organ transplantation seems brighter than ever.
To learn more about kidney transplantation, visit the National Kidney Foundation.
Source: Duke University, news release, August 30, 2023
Image Source: MedicineNet
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