LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 24, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research (NFCTR) today announced that two of the physician investigator/collaborators that it funds have received the prestigious "2010 ASTS-Pfizer Collaborative Scientist Award" sponsored by the Foundation of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS). The award was presented May 3rd at the American Transplant Congress in San Diego.
Dr. Joseph Leventhal, Director of the Living Donor Kidney Transplant Program at Northwestern University and Dr. Suzanne Ildstad, Director of the Institute for Cellular Therapeutics at the University of Louisville, were recognized by their peers for a clinical collaboration showing early success in the ability to transplant kidneys without the need for immunosuppressive (anti-rejection) medication.
The life-long requirement for kidney transplant recipients to take anti-rejection drugs is costly and carries the risk of significant side effects: infection, increased risk of certain cancers, kidney and other organ damage.
Drs. Leventhal and Ildstad are collaborating in a clinical trial that may dramatically reduce or eliminate entirely the need for immunosuppressive (anti-rejection) drugs following a kidney transplant. Based on the research discoveries of Dr. Ildstad, small amounts of the donor's bone marrow are transplanted in addition to the donor's kidney, creating a "twin" immune system that allows the recipient's body to recognize the donated organ as self, rather than foreign -- even when donor and recipient are not a genetic match.
The Foundation of the ASTS was established in 2001 to support the Society in its mission to foster and promote education and research for all aspects of organ and tissue transplantation. Awards are made in several categories each year to advance the field of transplantation and support basic, clinical and translational research.
"We are extremely encouraged and delighted by the recognition of this collaboration by the peers and colleagues of Drs. Leventhal and Ildstad," states Dr. Paula Grisanti, Chair of NFCTR, "and by the progress being made to transplant organs without the need for life-long immunosuppressive medication."
About the National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research (NFCTR)
Formed in 2005, the National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research (NFCTR) was established to support peer-reviewed research and early stage clinical trials in the field of adult stem cell transplantation. Adult stem cell research has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a large number of diseases and conditions affecting people worldwide. The NFCTR funds research in a number of strong academic settings and supports both collaboration and information sharing wherever possible. Through the funding of these collaborations, the NFCTR hopes to create stronger opportunities for advancements in the field. For more information, visit www.nfctr.org or call (502) 379-8544.
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About the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS)
Founded in 1975, the Society has established a strong presence in transplantation research, education, training and advocacy. The guiding principles of the organization remain today as they were at inception: to foster and advance the practice and science of transplantation for the benefit of patients and society; to guide those who make policy decisions that influence the practice and science of transplantation; to define and promote the training and career-long education of its members and to advance their professional development and careers. Today, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons' membership includes over 1500 transplant surgeons, physicians, scientists and allied health professionals from around the globe. Visit www.asts.org for more information.