Biomarker project to investigate lung transplantation
© Pulmonary Pathology

Biomarker project to investigate lung transplantation

The European Commission has awarded funding to a biomarker project investigating transplant lungs.

The ‘Biomarkers for clinical assessment of lungs intended for transplantation’ project led by XVIVO Perfusion will receive funding through Horizon 2020 as part of the first SME Instrument calls. The goal of the project is to identify biomarkers and medical device products that can further improve the evaluation of lungs using ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). Lung transplantation is the only therapeutic option for selected patients suffering from end-stage lung diseases. 80% of all donated lungs are not used for transplantation, due to the uncertainty regarding the function and quality of the lung.

Commenting on the announcement from Brussels, Dr Magnus Nilsson, chief executive of XVIVO Perfusion, said: “We are delighted that the Commission has decided to support this project financially. New biomarkers may lead to continued development and expansion of the organ perfusion market.”

EVLP is a technique used to assess the quality of donated lungs prior to transplantation, and it is estimated that it could potentially lead to an increase in the utilisation rate of donated lungs from 20% today to between 40 and 60%. Validated and objective parameters to evaluate lung functions during EVLP are expected to improve clinical outcomes in lung transplantation after EVLP.

155 projects from 21 countries were selected for funding of a phase I feasibility study under the SME Instrument. Each project receives €50,000 to perform a feasibility study and to prepare a phase 2 application which, if granted, may result in additional funding.