Bioartificial filtration device for filtering blood to mimic kidney function

Patent Number: 6942879

This patent is for a bioartificial kidney suitable for a variety of uses, including in patients with renal failure. The patent has one independent claim covering a filtration device which contains a layer of non-immortalized renal endothelial cells, non-immortalized renal epithelial cells, or a mixture thereof, and (ii) pericytes, vascular smooth muscle cells. This approach is currently in Phase II clinical trials and is commercialized by a company called RenaMed Biologics. Some of the more recent developments in this area are discussed in one of Dr Humes' many papers (Tiranathanagul K, et al. Bioartificial kidney in the treatment of acute renal failure associated with sepsis. Nephrology (Carlton). 2006 Aug;11(4):285-91)

View this patent on the USPTO website.