In a groundbreaking development in the field of transplantation, Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELDN) announced the successful use of tegoprubart, its investigational anti-CD40L antibody. It was utilized in the first-ever transplant of a kidney from a genetically modified pig to a human.
The historic procedure took place on March 16, 2024, at Massachusetts General Hospital. This offers new hope to patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease.
The pioneering kidney xenotransplantation procedure represents a significant milestone in the medical community. Additionally, it finally brings a break to the quest to address the critical shortage of available organs for transplantation. Led by Dr. David-Alexandre C. Gros, CEO of Eledon Pharmaceuticals, the procedure marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of transplant science.
Moreover, Dr. Gros expressed optimism about the potential of xenotransplantation to revolutionize organ transplantation.
“This first-ever kidney xenotransplant marks a pivotal moment for the transplant community and provides hope that this option may one day help solve the current shortage of available organs,” he said.
Furthermore. at the heart of this groundbreaking achievement lies tegoprubart, Eledon’s investigational anti-CD40L antibody. Tegoprubart is a part of the immunosuppressive treatment regimen. Additionally, it played a crucial role in preventing rejection of the transplanted pig organ. The procedure builds upon Eledon’s previous success in heart xenotransplant procedures, highlighting the broad potential of tegoprubart in transplantation medicine.
Leading experts in transplantation medicine have hailed the significance of the milestone achieved by Eledon Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Andrew Adams, Chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery at the University of Minnesota, emphasized the importance of therapies targeting CD40L in controlling immune responses to xenografts. This could lead to superior long-term outcomes compared to conventional immunosuppressive therapies.
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We are proud to have played a role in another historic milestone in #xenotransplantation with the first-ever #transplant of a genetically modified kidney from a pig to a human, conducted by the medical team at @MassGeneralNews. Learn more: https://t.co/gO090Oqj9i $ELDN pic.twitter.com/rWu4uBvqwi
— Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (@Eledon_Pharma) March 21, 2024
Expert perspectives on Eledon’s xenotransplantation
Dr. Leonardo V. Riella, Medical Director for Kidney Transplantation at Massachusetts General Hospital, underscored the potential of xenotransplantation to address the global organ shortage crisis. He commended the courage of the patient and the skill of the medical team involved in the procedure. He further expressed optimism about the future of xenotransplantation research.
Moreover, Eledon Pharmaceuticals is committed to advancing the field of transplantation through ongoing clinical and preclinical research efforts. The company is conducting preclinical studies to evaluate tegoprubart’s efficacy in reducing the risk of rejection in nonhuman primate recipients undergoing xenotransplant procedures. Additionally, Eledon is conducting global clinical trials to assess tegoprubart’s effectiveness in preventing rejection in human kidney transplant recipients.
The company recently presented promising results from its Phase 1b kidney transplantation study. It’s demonstrating the safety and efficacy of tegoprubart in preventing rejection and preserving post-transplant kidney function. The Phase 2 BESTOW study is about comparing tegoprubart with tacrolimus for the prevention of rejection in kidney transplantation. It is currently expected to conclude by the end of 2024.
Eledon Pharmaceuticals’ successful kidney xenotransplantation procedure represents a significant advancement in the field of transplantation, offering hope to patients waiting for organ transplants. With tegoprubart at the forefront of innovation, Eledon continues to push the boundaries of medical science in its quest to address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes.
zartasha@mugglehead.com
