(Vienna, 16-01-2026) The Medical University of Vienna and Therakos, a company specialising in medical technology, have launched a long-term research partnership to further develop extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) for solid organ transplantation. A total of Euro 4.2 million in funding will be available for this purpose over a period of seven years. The enormous significance of this partnership is highlighted by the ongoing challenges in transplant medicine, which call for improved treatment strategies.
Extracorporeal photopheresis is an established cell-based procedure for the targeted modulation of the immune system. It involves treating certain immune cells outside the body and then returning them to the bloodstream, thereby triggering regulatory immunological processes. Despite this innovative approach, long-term control of the immune response to donor organs in transplant medicine remains a key challenge, particularly with regard to chronic rejection reactions and therapy-related side effects of conventional immunosuppression.
Scientific basis for targeted use
The research collaboration that has now been launched addresses precisely this issue. The project aims to conduct in-depth research into the immunological mechanisms of action of ECP in the context of solid organ transplants and to further refine its potential applications. The goal is to strengthen the scientific basis for the targeted use of this immunomodulatory approach. "The transplantation of solid organs such as kidneys, livers, hearts or lungs requires a lifelong balance between sufficient immunosuppression and the preservation of general immune function. Extracorporeal photopheresis is a promising procedure in this regard, which we intend to develop further together with our corporate partner," explains Alberto Benazzo, Surgical Director of the Vienna Lung Transplant Program at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, who is leading the project on behalf of MedUni Vienna. Benazzo is supported by his colleagues Peter Jaksch (Department of Thoracic Surgery) and Thomas Wekerle (Department of General Surgery), who have gained international recognition as leading experts in the fields of transplant medicine and immunology.
This research, which is so important in view of the global shortage of donor organs, is being funded by Therakos, an international medical technology company specialising in the development and provision of technologies for extracorporeal photopheresis. "The cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna, a leading centre in the field of transplant medicine, allows us to gain new insights into the use of extracorporeal photopheresis in solid organ transplantation," emphasises Therakos CEO Sandra Thompson. "This long-term collaboration with Therakos creates a reliable framework for the further development of therapeutic options that directly benefit patients. It strengthens MedUni Vienna's research in the field of transplant medicine and makes an important contribution to improving care for people after organ transplantation," says Michaela Fritz, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at MedUni Vienna, summarising the relevance of the project.