Novel treatment effective after kidney transplantation

A new drug developed for kidney transplant patients can reduce the risk of organ rejection, with fewer side effects and improved preservation of renal function than current treatments.

New research published in the American Journal of Transplantation indicates that belatacept is effective as a post-transplant alternative to drugs most commonly used to suppress the immune system.

According to the study, the tested treatment results in superior kidney function in transplant patients after 12 months.

Commenting on the findings, lead researcher Dr Flavio Vincenti said: "Our findings show that this will be a novel and more specific way of suppressing the immune system with less toxicity.

"It will target the specific responses that cause rejection of transplanted organs with less damage to other systems of the body."

The UK National Kidney Federation reports that on average, patients on the waiting list for two years have a 50 per cent chance of being offered an organ.

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