Iscalimab Combined With Transient Tesidolumab Prolongs Survival in Pig‐to‐Rhesus Monkey Renal Xenografts

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the clinically relevant anti‐CD40 antibody iscalimab for baseline immunosuppression in a preclinical pig‐to‐rhesus renal xenograft model. Summary Background Data CD40/CD40L co‐stimulation blockade‐based immunosuppression has been more successful than calcineurin‐based protocols in prolonging xenograft survival in preclinical models. Methods GGTA1 knockout/CD55 transgenic pig kidneys were transplanted into rhesus monkeys ( n = 6) receiving an iscalimab‐based immunosuppressive regimen. Results Two grafts were lost early (22 and 26 days) because of ectatic donor ureters with otherwise normal histology. The other recipients survived 171, 315, 422, and 439 days with good renal function throughout the posttransplant course. None of the recipients experienced serious infectious morbidity. Conclusions It may be reasonable to evaluate an iscalimab‐based immunosuppressive regimen in clinical renal xenotransplantation.