Perfusion solutions for improved organ transplantation

This technology describes lipid-containing perfusion buffers that prolong the viability of organs during transplantation.

Unmet Need: Effective organ preservation for transplantation

A significant factor limiting the clinical application of organ transplantation is the decrease in viability of the organ after removal from the donor. Isolated organs immediately begin to deteriorate, leading to loss of structure and function. Simple cooling is only viable for very short-term storage, as extended periods of hypothermia will lead to tissue damage upon reperfusion. Although cold storage combined with continuous perfusion can extend the viability of organs, current perfusion solutions are not effective enough to prevent reperfusion damage and subsequent adverse events.

The Technology: Lipid-containing perfusion buffers for maintaining the viability of organs and tissues

This technology describes perfusion buffers that employ a lipid emulsion to maintain the viability of the organs by preventing tissue deterioration. Omega-3 glycerides are supplied to the organ by adding it to typical perfusion buffers used for organ transplantation. These therapeutic lipids elicit an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic response by effectively reducing the levels of harmful proteins while promoting the activity of factors that prevent cell death. As such, this technology can greatly improve the outcome of organ transplantation for patients by extending organ viability during storage and by greatly reducing the risk of reperfusion injury.

This technology has been successfully used to preserve viability in isolated mouse hearts.

Applications:

• Organ and tissue preservation for transplantation
• Preservation of tissues for research applications
• Prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury

Advantages:

• Uses widely available omega-3 glycerides
• Reduces cell death in organs and loss of function
• Extends organ lifetime during transplantation
• Allows sufficient time for compatibility testing of the donor and recipient
• May reduce the risk of adverse events following transplantation
• Compatible with conventional perfusion buffers

Lead Inventor:

Richard J. Deckelbaum, M.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

• Zirpoli H, Abdillahi M, Quadri N, Ananthakrishnan R, Wang L, Rosario R, Zhu Z, Deckelbaum RJ, Ramasamy R. “Acute administration of n-3 rich triglyceride emulsions provides cardioprotection in murine models after ischemia-reperfusion” PLoS One. 2015 Jan 5; 10(1): e0116274.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU13217

• Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik