Tweet from Jacob Niall Schroder (Director, Heart Transplantation Program, Co-director CTICU, Duke University Medical Center). Tweet published 3 hours ago.
“In 10 months US #DCDHeart trial finished enrolling 90 successful DCD transplants. Standard of care control arm lagging behind with approx 70 HTx… Doesn’t that say it all? @DukeHeartCenter leading the way with 34 DCDs!!! Expand Donor Pool, Expand. #DonateLife”
My comments:
- This does not name TMDX, but it is in reference to their DCD trial. They are the only one doing anything like this for DCD donors.
- This trial is separate from the recently delayed FDA review for “DBD” heart donors.
- The fact that they could complete all 90 DBD donated hearts at the same time only 70 were completed in the control group highlights the incredible opportunity for TMDX. It’s a demonstration of the general lack of organs from DBD donors.
- “DCD” is the trial that has FDA “Breakthrough Designation” and will get expedited FDA review once all the data is complete.
When the leading surgeon or the leading transplant center tweets positive comments about the results = positive development. He knows patients are doing well on the DCD hearts. Unofficial, but highly encouraging.