The annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons opened in Washington, DC, with a focus on research expected to continue improving outcomes for transplant recipients in the years ahead.

Among the research areas receiving attention were studies involving the antibody called Campath-1H, which pilot studies suggest may have the potential to free new transplant recipients of the need to take immunosuppressive drugs for the remainder of their lives to prevent organ rejection.

The annual "state-of-the-art" address was delivered at the opening session by Dr. Francis Collins, director of the human genome project, who addressed transplant processionals on the "medical and societal consequences" of the project.

The transplant meeting, which has grown enormously in recent years and now attracts thousands of transplant surgeons, physicians, researchers and other professionals from around the world, was shifted to Washington DC this year after being held for many years in Chicago.

Other sources: AST, ASTS