Kidney Research UK

The National Kidney Research Fund's response to the first test in humans of a bioartificial kidney

As a medical research charity, The National Kidney Research Fund is very encouraged that scientists are constantly looking for ways to overcome the organ shortage problem as there are currently some 6400 people needing a kidney transplant in the UK. Once the kidneys have failed a patient needs lifelong treatment via a kidney transplant or dialysis in order to survive and transplantation is the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure and the only treatment available for end stage liver or cardiac failure.

However, this form of alternative transplant treatment being proposed by the University of Michigan Health System is premature and a long way from being a readily available replacement to human donated organs for transplantation.

Nick Turkentine, Head of the Fund's Communications department said, "For the foreseeable future there remains an urgent need for human donors and we urge everyone to join the NHS Organ Donor Register by phoning 0845 60 60400 or contacting the website www.uktransplant.org.uk and to tell their family about their wishes."

The Fund has recently launched a national campaign, which aims to make a difference to the number of organs available for transplant, and help change more people's lives. The Fund will be making people aware that it is vital for anyone who is thinking of becoming a donor, and those that have already signed, to take time to talk to their families about their wishes.

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