Public benefit corporation United Therapeutics Corporation (Nasdaq: UTHR) and its subsidiary Lung Bioengineering Inc (LBE) announced on Wednesday that they have achieved a significant milestone, completing the 500th lung transplant using LBE's centralizsed ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) service. This achievement, marking the 500th transplant, occurred at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. LBE's service has assessed over 800 donated lungs since its launch in 2014.

Lungs are notoriously challenging to transplant, with only 20% of donated lungs in the US initially meeting the criteria for transplantation. EVLP technology has emerged as a crucial tool for evaluating and rehabilitating lungs outside the body, enabling transplant centers to determine if non-ideal lungs can become suitable for transplant. LBE specialists employ FDA-approved devices and proprietary software, such as OrganVue, to facilitate real-time assessments with transplant teams.

LBE operates full-service EVLP centers in Silver Spring, Maryland and Jacksonville, Florida, evaluating lungs from across North America, including distant locations like Alaska and Puerto Rico. Post-EVLP, these lungs have been transplanted at 25 centres, ranging geographically from Miami to Toronto and St. Louis.

Lung Bioengineering's centralised EVLP service is part of United Therapeutics' broader initiative to develop organ alternatives. This platform includes technologies in xenotransplantation, bio-artificial organs, regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting. The company's subsidiary, Miromatrix, recently began a phase 1 trial for a bioengineered liver alternative, with plans to start clinical studies on xenokidneys by 2025, pending regulatory approval.

United Therapeutics continues to focus on expanding transplantable organ availability through innovative medical solutions.