Eledon Pharmaceuticals Announces Use of Tegoprubart as Key Component of Immunosuppression Regimen in its Second Transplant of a Genetically Modified Pig Kidney into a Human

Core Insights - Eledon Pharmaceuticals announced the successful use of its investigational therapy tegoprubart in a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig, marking a significant advancement in xenotransplantation [1][2] - Tegoprubart targets CD40 ligand (CD40L) and aims to improve safety and efficacy compared to standard immunosuppression regimens, potentially allowing patients to live longer with transplanted organs [2][3] - The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has received FDA approval for this transplant procedure and plans to conduct additional xenotransplants in 2025 [1][2] Company Developments - Tegoprubart was a key component in the immunosuppression regimen for the second kidney xenotransplant at MGH, which is part of a broader strategy to address the global organ shortage crisis [2][3] - The company is currently evaluating tegoprubart in three global clinical studies for kidney transplants and in a separate trial for islet transplant rejection in type 1 diabetes patients [4] - Initial data from an investigator-initiated trial at the University of Chicago Medicine showed potential insulin independence in patients using tegoprubart without the standard tacrolimus treatment [4] Future Plans - Eledon plans to report updated interim clinical trial results from ongoing Phase 1b studies and long-term safety and efficacy studies in kidney transplants in summer 2025 [5] - Topline results from the Phase 2 BESTOW kidney transplant trial are expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, along with longer-term follow-up results from the islet transplant trial later this year [5] Industry Context - The use of tegoprubart represents a novel approach to immunosuppression therapy, addressing significant challenges in organ transplantation and potentially improving the quality of life for transplant patients [3][4] - The advancements in xenotransplantation and immunosuppressive medications are critical for enhancing organ transplant success rates and addressing the ongoing organ shortage crisis [2][3]