The Liver Research team from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Birmingham (UoB) and an industry partner, won an award for Collaboration in Research at the Clinical Research Network West Midlands’ (CRNWM) second Annual Awards.

The Awards were held at the Everyman Cinema and saw trophies presented in 13 categories including Clinical Research Impact, Team of the Year and Collaboration in Research.

The team won for their work on the VITTAL (viability testing and transplantation of marginal livers) trial, which aims to achieve safe transplantation of liver grafts that have been rejected because they are perceived to be too high-risk to use.

The trial uses novel technology called Normothermic Machine Perfusion to test the grafts by simulating the conditions organs experience in the body.

If the livers meet a number of pre-determined criteria, they can be used by patients on the transplant waiting list, helping to reduce the number of discarded livers and increase the number of transplants performed each year whilst reducing risks to patients. 

Jo Plumb, Head of Research and Development Operations, said: “This award is a great recognition of the liver research team’s amazing hard work, and could really increase the number of organs available for patients awaiting liver transplants.”

“This collaboration between our team and colleagues at the UoB shows the benefits of working together to revolutionise medicine and improve treatments for UHB patients, and will help liver transplant patients nationwide.”

For more information, please visit the UHB Research and Development website.