Researchers at the University of California in San Francisco have developed an implantable device that can mimic the daily functions of a kidney.
The device, called a bioreactor, holds kidney cells and operates like a pacemaker, avoiding the need for immune-suppressing drugs. This is significant because many kidney failure patients in the U.S. rely on dialysis, and only a limited number can get kidney transplants due to donor shortages.
The bioreactor has shown success in tests on pigs for seven days, and the next step is a month-long trial, first in animals and then in humans. The goal is to create a full artificial kidney that can perform all the essential functions of a natural kidney, making kidney disease treatment more effective and comfortable.
This development has the potential to improve the lives of over 500,000 dialysis-dependent individuals and reduce the need for organ transplants. It’s a promising step forward in the treatment of kidney disease, offering hope for a future without the challenges of dialysis or long waits for transplants.