#USA #San Francisco #Bridge to Life #Liver Transplant #HOPE Trial

New Clinical Insights from the Bridge to HOPE Trial

The significant findings from the innovative Bridge to HOPE clinical trial have brought new light on the clinical, economic, and immunomodulatory advantages associated with liver transplantation. Recent presentations at the World Transplant Congress (WTC) in San Francisco provided compelling evidence that the hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE), combined with the VitaSmartTM perfusion system, not only reduces the cost but also enhances patient outcomes by shortening initial hospital stays and lowering late complications.

Key Findings from the Congress Presentation

The 12-month follow-up results presented by Dr. David Axelrod from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, alongside Dr. David J. Reich from Drexel University, showcased the potential for substantial cost savings in hospital systems without compromising the quality of care. According to these analyses, HOPE significantly lessened the severity of organ rejection, including resistance to steroids, making it a game changer in the field of transplantation.

Economic Advantages of HOPE

The economic analysis showcased a side-by-side comparison of hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) against traditional static cold storage (SCS). The data revealed a reduction in initial post-transplant hospitalization days—10.8 days for HOPE compared to 12.9 days for SCS. Moreover, there was a notable decrease in associated complications, with occurrences of bilirary complications dropping from 24.6% to 20.2%, and re-transplantation rates falling from 4.5% to 1.8%. In terms of mortality, HOPE demonstrated lower rates of adverse outcomes (3.6% for SCS against 2.8% for HOPE). Additionally, the one-year post-transplant costs decreased by an average of $28,565 for those treated with the HOPE method, indicating mindful healthcare spending.

Reducing Organ Rejection Risks

A critical aspect of these results lies within the comparative rejection rates. Instances of moderate to severe rejection confirmed by biopsy were significantly less for those receiving HOPE, with rejection occurring in only 32% of cases compared to 67% for SCS (p = 0.033). Furthermore, the study found that 9 patients in the SCS group developed steroid-resistant organ rejection, while only 1 patient exhibited similar rejection in the HOPE cohort (43% vs 4%, p = 0.003). This suggests that while the overall prevalence of organ rejection remained similar, the severity and risk associated with traumatic rejection significantly dropped with the HOPE technique.

Implications for Future Research

These findings underscore the need for further investigations into the immunomodulatory effects of HOPE, which are critically important as organ transplantation techniques continue to evolve. Don Webber, CEO and President of Bridge to Life Ltd., emphasized the company’s commitment to collaborating with transplant centers and organ procurement organizations to not only reduce healthcare costs but also to ensure high-quality outcomes for patients undergoing liver transplants. The data showcased during the WTC 2025 reinforces the valuable role of HOPE in the transplantation community.

About Bridge to Life Ltd.

Bridge to Life Ltd. stands as a leader in organ preservation solutions, providing premium products such as Belzer UW®, EasiSlush®, and the hypothermic oxygenated perfusion system VitaSmart™. With its commitment to quality and innovation, the organization plays an essential role in enhancing transplant outcomes across various healthcare systems globally. The VitaSmart™ system is CE marked and is currently pending FDA approval for use in the United States.

Holistic improvements in transplantation practices are essential for patient safety and quality care. With continued studies driven by innovative techniques like HOPE, the future appears promising for individuals requiring liver transplants.