Hemopure synthetic oxygen solution salvages initially rejected donor livers

Hemoglobin Oxygen Therapeutics announced results from a pilot study of its hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution, Hemopure, in which initially rejected donor livers were salvaged for transplantation, according to a press release.

“The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) estimates that over 13,700 people are currently waiting for a liver transplant nationwide, yet only about 8,250 transplants performed in 2018,” Zafiris Zafirelis, CEO of Hemoglobin Oxygen (HbO2) Therapeutics, said. “Given the significant need to increase donor transplants, the key takeaway from this pilot study indicates that discarded donor livers could be refurbished with the help of Hemopure.”

In the study conducted by the researchers at the University Medical Center in Groningen, the Netherlands, 16 rejected donor livers underwent machine perfusion technology using Hemopure.

Following viability testing that included the ability to produce bile, 10 donor livers were successfully reconditioned using Hemopure solution. All 10 livers were used in patients undergoing transplantation with 100% survival rates.

Hemopure is only available in the U.S. through the FDA expanded access program for patients who cannot undergo blood transfusion and have exhausted all other treatment options. The solution is also under development for other organs prior to transplantation.

Reference: www.hbo2therapuetics.com