The Kidney for Life initiative utilizes the most advanced DNA sequencing technology to assess the Class 2 HLA eplet mismatch risk between patients and potential kidney donors.
Eplet matching is a better predictor of de novo DSA formation, rejection and graft failure than the antigen mismatch approach that has historically been used by the transplant community. Eplet mismatch analysis allows transplant centers to more effectively select donors for specific recipients by better understanding the de novo DSA formation risk between the recipient and each potential donor.
With the Kidney for Life initiative, transplant patients now have the opportunity to find a low eplet mismatch donor, which also provides an opportunity to reduce immunosuppression dosages and mitigate the side effects of those medications, while achieving improved long-term transplant outcomes.
The Kidney for Life initiative was launched in 2020 and now has 18 participating transplant centers. In the last 12 months, the Kidney for Life initiative has facilitated 104 successful low eplet kidney transplants.