Abstract: FR-PO1119
A Shot at Transplant: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and the Path to Transplant Eligibility
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Transplant Access, Recipient Evaluation, Living Donors, Pregnancy, and More
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2002 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Neupane, Raghavee, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
- Kelley, Courtney, The University of Chicago Medicine Transplant Surgery, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Reticker, Anesia, The University of Chicago Medicine Transplant Surgery, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Guinane, Anne, The University of Chicago Medicine Transplant Surgery, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Becker, Yolanda T., LifeGift Organ Donation Center, Houston, Texas, United States
- McGill, Rita L., The University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Josephson, Michelle A., The University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Background
Obesity is an upstream risk for many types of kidney disease, yet it is a major barrier to kidney transplant (TX) eligibility. Many transplant centers have exclusion criteria based on body-mass index (BMI). Traditional weight-loss approaches have had limited success in helping patients lose weight to achieve transplant eligibility. Bariatric surgery is effective, but not feasible for all TX candidates. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP) and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides (GIP) are effective for weight loss. Few data regarding GLP/GIP in TX candidates exist.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of a single-center weight-loss program that helps potential Tx candidates achieve BMI listing criteria. The program started with supervised diet and exercise in 2016/2017 and after a hiatus, restarted with either semaglutide (GLP) or tirzepatide (GLP/GIP) and diet/exercise guidance in 2023. Eligible participants had BMI ≥40 kg/m2 or were ineligible for TX due to body habitus. TX eligibility required BMI ≤ 38 kg/m2. Weight, BMI and program completion at 6 months were compared between patients who received GLP or GLP/GIP and historic controls that did not receive either medication.
Results
Six-month program completion occurred in 22/22 patients who received either GLP or GLP/GIP and 7/11 patients who did not. Patients receiving GLP or GLP-GIP had 6-month weight loss of 8.2 ± 5.3 kg, compared to 1.0 ± 4.2 kg in controls (P=0.003). Percentage of body weight lost at 6 months is shown in the figure. Goal BMI of ≤38 kg/m2 was achieved by month 6 in 7/22 medicated patients and 0/7 controls.
Conclusion
Addition of GLP or GLP/GIP therapy to diet/exercise guidance in TX candidates attempting to lose weight was significantly more effective than structured diet/exercise alone. Expanded use of these agents among candidates who have no medical contraindications may improve the ability to transplant obese patients.