University of Oviedo

Xenotransplantation Advances: Pig Kidney Transplants Show Promise in Addressing Organ Shortage

5 months ago

• Towana Looney became the longest-living recipient of a pig kidney transplant, exceeding 60 days post-surgery, marking a significant milestone in xenotransplantation. • Tim Andrews received a genetically-edited pig kidney at Massachusetts General Hospital, becoming the second living person with such a transplant and is now dialysis-free. • United Therapeutics received FDA approval for a clinical trial of its UKidney, a gene-edited porcine kidney, signaling a move towards formal xenotransplantation studies. • Researchers are sharing data and refining techniques to improve the safety and efficacy of pig organ transplants, addressing the critical shortage of human donor organs.

Inhaled Colistimethate Shows Promise for Bronchiectasis, Despite COVID-19 Impact

8 months ago

• In the PROMIS-I trial, inhaled colistimethate sodium significantly reduced the mean annual exacerbation rate in bronchiectasis patients with _Pseudomonas aeruginosa_ infections. • The PROMIS-II trial, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, did not show a significant reduction in exacerbation rates with the same treatment. • A meta-analysis of PROMIS-I, pre-pandemic PROMIS-II data, and an earlier phase II study supported the efficacy of colistimethate sodium in reducing exacerbation rates. • Inhaled colistimethate sodium demonstrated a safety profile similar to placebo, with low rates of bronchospasm and manageable adverse events.