A new trial conducted by Medeor Therapeutics suggests that stem cell therapy may help kidney transplant patients discontinue their immunosuppressant regimen within a year of the transplant. Currently, transplant patients are required to take immunosuppression drugs for the rest of their lives to prevent rejection of the new organ. The long-term use of these drugs can have severe side effects and toxicities, leading to a transplant failure rate of 30-50% at the 10-year mark. The trial offers hope for patients to receive a transplant without the need for lifelong immunosuppression, which has generated excitement in the field. The results of the trial were presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2023 Annual Meeting.
