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34 Lives Celebrates an Important Milestone in Kidney Rescues

On November 23, 2024, 34 Lives, a Public Benefit Corporation, marked a significant achievement by successfully rescuing and transplanting its 34th kidney. Founded in 2022 with the mission of reducing the number of unused donated kidneys in the United States, 34 Lives has gained attention for its commitment to improving kidney transplantation outcomes. The organization was created to address the alarming statistic that more than 8,000 kidneys went unused in 2023, despite there being approximately 100,000 individuals awaiting a kidney transplant.

The number 34 holds profound significance for 34 Lives, according to Co-CEO Kathleen St. Jean. She stated, "Every day in the U.S., around 34 patients are removed from the kidney transplant waiting list due to either death or deteriorating health. Knowing we have directly contributed to saving 34 lives reinforces our determination to continue our mission. We strive to ensure every kidney we receive has the chance to be donated to someone desperate for a second chance at life."

The kidney that was successfully transplanted on November 23 was procured from LifeGift, an Organ Procurement Organization serving the Houston and Fort Worth areas. The transplantation was carried out by the skilled organ transplant team at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Chris Jaynes, Co-CEO of 34 Lives, expressed confidence in the collective mission, stating, "Working together with dedicated partners like Duke and LifeGift drives real innovation in the kidney transplant field."

In a show of their ongoing commitment to advancing kidney transplantation, 34 Lives received an ARPA-H Award worth $44 million over five years in October. This funding will be allocated to the "No Kidney Left Behind" project, aimed at rehabilitating roughly 50% of donor kidneys that would otherwise be discarded. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies, 34 Lives seeks to restore these kidneys and ensure they are available for transplant.

One of the most innovative techniques involved in this project is Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP), which allows the real-time assessment of organ viability and function. This technology not only has the potential to improve outcomes for renal transplants but could also be adapted for use in other transplantable organs such as lungs and livers, further advancing the field of organ transplantation.

The No Kidney Left Behind initiative will operate from Indiana, where a core preservation hub will function as a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory in collaboration with designated Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs). This endeavor emphasizes 34 Lives' belief in leaving no kidney behind and providing hope to those awaiting transplants.

For those interested in learning more about 34 Lives and their groundbreaking work, further information can be found on their official website: 34 Lives.

About 34 Lives

34 Lives is located in the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, Indiana. As a Public Benefit Corporation, it focuses on creating innovative solutions for kidney transplantation, providing opportunities for kidneys that are typically hard to place. The organization's ongoing research, known as OPTIMAL, aims to enhance donor kidney allocation and preserve organ viability.

With a dedicated team and substantial backing, 34 Lives continues to pioneer methods in organ transplantation, ultimately aiming to save lives and provide hope for individuals in need of a kidney transplant.