The Hunter Transplant Research Foundation, HTRF, is the research arm of the Newcastle Transplant Unit located at the John Hunter Hospital within the Hunter New England Local Health District. Our translational research is focussed on four key areas
Expanding the live renal donor pool by using innovative techniques to allow transplantation of highly sensitised recipients, blood group incompatible recipients and the use of kidneys restored after removal of small cancers. These initiatives have helped double the transplant rate in our unit.

Development of a new immunosuppressive drug that could replace more toxic drugs currently used

Research into the mechanisms of the two biggest causes of graft loss namely chronic rejection and recurrence of the original kidney disease

Mechanisms of immune tolerance which could remove the need to take anti-rejection drugs long term.

Our research involves collaboration with local scientists from HMRI and University of Newcastle as well as other centres in the USA. We are involved currently in several Multinational clinical trials of exciting new drugs to limit damage to kidneys by cold preservation.

We have a dedicated research team of Transplant Physicians, Transplant Surgeons and Senior Scientist. The new centres’ research findings in transplantation will be translated into clinical practice.

Our transplants have restored life and improved the quality of living for many.