Keith March

Extends and Preserves ‘Shelf-Life’ and Functionality of Organs Prior To and During Transport

This secretome solution allows for the viable preservation of transplant organs prior to transport. Organ transplantation is a key life-saving procedure for patients with failed or injured organs, but this curative treatment is severely limited by a shortage in organ supply. The waitlist for transplants continues to grow without a marked increase in supply, resulting in an approximate 20% yearly mortality among patients waiting for heart transplants. In the U.S., out of the 50,000 patients with severe heart failure who are candidates for a cardiac transplantation, only 3,000 transplants are conducted. Approximately 70% of the hearts available for donors yearly are discarded, with half of the discards occurring due to an anticipated transport time longer than four hours. A need for ensuring survivability of organs when they become available for transplant is necessary. No available products provide an effective and well-tolerated extension of organ function and “shelf-life” beyond transportation tools already in use.

Researchers at the University of Florida developed a secretome solution, comprised of superoxide, dismutase, catalase, vitamin E, and glutathione that delivers key protein antioxidant factors to the transplantation organ. The solution provides an effective and well-tolerated extension of organ or tissue function, increasing the “shelf-life” by two-fold. If deployed into the field, at locations such as battlefields, sport arenas, or emergency rooms, the solution could stabilize organs prior to transport, expanding the feasibility of organ transplants.

Application

Preserving secretome solution for organs for transplant, retaining functionality, increasing “shelf-life,” and improving viability

Advantages

• Extends the “shelf-life” of organs for transplantation two-fold, reducing the number of organs that are discarded
• Expands availability and number of useable heart transplants and, by extension, other transplants
• Deployment of solution into the “field” will benefit transplant recipients and save them from critical and life-threatening illnesses, reducing their loss of function, life, future rehabilitation, and medical costs
• Applicable in-vivo applications, preserving organs within the body from inadequate blood supply prior to harvesting
• Secretome solution can be stored frozen or in powdered form, increasing its availability for use
• Secretome solution may be added to existing transplant solutions, increasing its practical use in the field

Technology

This secretome solution preserves and maintains the viability and function of transplant organs prior to transportation. The solution comprises superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin E, and glutathione. It preserves cardiac tissues, such as the lungs and heart, and their contractile ability. However, this solution can be used in the in vitro preservation of other organs, such as the pancreas, liver, intestine, and skin as well. The solution compositions are readily available and affordable, potentially expanding the number of useable transplant organs and tissues available to patients.