ORGAN transplant rejections could soon
become a thing of the
past. A new drug
which can halve the
rejection rate of transplanted organs and
billed as 'the most
exciting development in transplantation in the 'last decade', has been
recently developed by the UK-b6sed
Roche company.
Though the drug, CellCept, could
mean an initial increase in transplant
costs, in the long run, it could lead to
significant savings as patients need not
go in for more transplants and can
desist from opting for expensive dialysis. Cel(Cept, which costs about US
$4,750, has so far been tested for kidney transplants, but should also work
for other organs like heart, lungs and
liver, according t)6 its manufacturers.
CellCept works by dampening
down the defence cells which attack
transplanted organs presuming them to
be foreign bodies. According to Neil
Parrott consultant transplant surgeon
at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, the
drug also "has the promise to reduce
chronic (transplant) rejectilon".
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.