New drug helps donor kidneys

A NEW protein drug developed by British scientists can potentially double the lifespan of donor kidneys, experts claim.

The drug, Mirococept, sticks like "paint" to kidney blood vessel walls and blocks the inflammatory reactions that lead to damage.

Early research shows that it can both preserve donor organs in transit and help them survive after transplant surgery.

Dr Richard Smith, of the Medical Research Council's Centre for Transplantation, said: "The technique, known as tethering, not only enables the protein to reach particular types of cells, but also gives it a much better chance of staying there."