Transplant Immunology Research - Immunosuppressive Drugs
- Emory is at the forefront of transplant immunology research, using groundbreaking strategies to prevent rejection of transplanted organs by establishing true immune tolerance with drugs that are less toxic and have less side effects (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney toxicity and diabetes) than traditional immunosuppressants.
Other new, exciting developments in liver transplantation include improving the way patients with Hepatitis B are treated after transplantation and the knowledge that liver transplants can be successful when crossing blood groups. Traditionally, crossing blood groups in patients with liver transplants results in an increased rate of infection. Emory researchers have shown that patients in need of emergent transplants can receive an organ from a donor of another blood type and that with proper medical care crossing blood groups in transplantation can work with great outcomes.
Patient Advantages:
- For the past 15 years physicians at the Emory Transplant Center have been involved in the development of new immunosuppressant agents that physicians hope will be more effective and efficient in preventing rejection of organs.
- These drugs can mean improved outcomes avoiding the toxicity and side effects of current drugs, and greatly reduce the burden on the patient.
- Immunosuppressant drugs decrease toxicity and injury to other organs like the kidney, and the heart and vascular system.
