Transplant Center
Research Highlights

Emory Transplant physicians made significant research contributions that lead to the 2011 approval of Nulojix® (belatacept) by the US Food and Drug Administration. Belatacept is a novel drug that affects the immune system, allowing patients to better tolerate kidney transplantation. Current immune response research includes:

In March 2011 Dr. Linda Cendales performed the first hand transplant at Emory and in the Southeast at large. Hand transplantation at Emory is currently under clinical trial status and includes:

The ETC is part of a consortium of 11 transplant centers evaluating the safety, feasibility, and long-term outcomes of islet transplantation. Emory’s research includes:

Emory performed Georgia’s first kidney transplant and its first kidney-pancreas transplant. The kidney/pancreas program is at the forefront of research into true immune tolerance of transplanted organs. Current research includes:

In July 2009, Emory transplant surgeons were the first in the state of Georgia to perform a very rare domino liver transplant – a liver from a deceased donor is transplanted into the first recipient, and the first recipient's liver is then transplanted into a second recipient. Fewer than 100 domino liver transplants have been performed in the U.S. Emory’s research includes:

As Georgia’s only lung transplant program, Emory specializes in the treatment of complex lung disorders from pulmonary vascular and interstitial lung diseases. We are dedicated to researching lung disorders and providing the best treatment and care for lung transplant patients. Current research includes:

Emory performed Georgia’s first heart transplant, and currently offers the ventricular assist device (VAD) that is used as a bridge to transplant. Emory’s VAD program has the “Gold Seal of Approval” from The Joint Commission, and is one of only two certified programs of its kind in Georgia. Emory’s research includes: