Research

Leading-edge research and clinical trials in transplantation

For over 38 years, the UCLA Transplant Programs have been at the forefront of transplantation research and clinical innovation. From pioneering immunosuppressive agents in the early 1990s to conducting normothermic machine perfusion clinical trials in recent years, our contributions have significantly shaped the field. Our program boasts a robust Basic Science Research Program alongside translational and clinical science research activities, backed by NIH and private funding, resulting in over 1,500 publications to date.

Our physicians and researchers are trailblazers in liver and pancreatic transplantation, as well as in heart, kidney, and intestinal transplants. Protocols developed at UCLA are now widely adopted worldwide, underscoring our leadership in advancing transplant practices.

A legacy of innovation in transplantation

• Hepatitis C Treatment: As leaders in hepatitis C care, we pioneered pre- and post-transplant treatments, enabling patients to manage the disease effectively.
• Immunoglobulin for Hepatitis B: We were the first to introduce immunoglobulin injections for treating hepatitis B, setting a global standard.
• Organ Rejection Risk Reduction: Through the development of new treatments, we have significantly reduced the risk of organ rejection, improving transplant success rates.
• Donor Pool Expansion: Our expertise in living donor liver transplants has increased donor availability. We introduced the innovative "domino" transplant technique for patients with amyloidosis.
• Autologous Islet Transplant: We pioneered autologous islet transplantation, allowing patients to retain their insulin-producing cells after pancreas removal, potentially avoiding diabetes without the risk of rejection.
• Kidney Transplant Success: By focusing on prolonging kidney function in patients receiving both kidney and pancreas transplants, we have improved quality of life and advanced early detection methods for potential rejection.

Ongoing research and clinical trials

• Portable Liver Function Device: We are exploring a portable finger-probe device that measures liver function in potential donors, aiming to streamline and improve donor selection processes.
• Liver Cancer Recurrence Prediction: Developing a new model to predict the likelihood of liver cancer recurrence post-transplant, we strive to enhance personalized treatment plans.
• Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Study: Conducting laboratory studies to investigate ischemia/reperfusion injury's role in transplant outcomes, we seek methods to mitigate its impact.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prevention: Leading the nation’s largest multi-center trial, we aim to prevent recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk liver transplant patients.

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