A new kidney — free of daily meds

Indeed, before the procedure could be attempted in human patients, researchers at the Wisconsin National Primate Center and elsewhere spent years testing its safety and effectiveness in non-human primates. In 2023, the team led by Kaufman reported promising results from its latest primate studies that could pave the way for expanding the procedure to non-identical transplant pairs.

The studies that enabled this clinical trial received substantial support over the years from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Kaufman credits UW-Madison's proven track record of executing complex biomedical research for the sustained federal investment.

"The clinical and research environments at UW are outstanding" he says. "I've been to other programs, trained at other programs, and been faculty at other programs, and the unique things that make the ability to do complicated clinical trials like this successful at the University of Wisconsin are the strong collaborative culture and fantastic resources. We've got a history and a tradition of advancing the field in innovative ways for the benefit of many. We want to keep reaching higher and keep making those advances."

While the recognition and support from NIH and other funding agencies have underpinned the trial's success, Kaufman says it's the patients and donors who are willing to participate in new and potentially risky trials who are ultimately responsible for helping to advance the field.

"Getting [the patients] back on the road to living a happy and fulfilling life is really what this is all about," he says.