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Second round of simulated modeling results for continuous distribution of kidney and pancreas now available

Published on: Wednesday, October 11, 2023

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Committees have received the second round of simulation modeling results from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR).

The first round of modeling results evaluated extreme policy scenarios to help inform the committees’ work to transition the current kidney and pancreas allocation systems to a continuous distribution framework. This second round of modeling evaluated additional policy scenarios to refine the committees’ work to inform the eventual policy proposals.  

Future state of kidney and pancreas allocation

In 2019, the OPTN began work to adopt a single distribution framework that could be adapted to all organ types. This approach, continuous distribution, is a points-based system predicted to prioritize sickest candidates first to reduce waitlist deaths. The OPTN Board of Directors unanimously approved the new lung allocation policy in December 2021, which was implemented on March 9, 2023. Kidney and pancreas organ types are currently moving through a series of steps as the framework is developed for their organ types.

In 2023, the Board of Directors directed the Kidney and Pancreas Committee to consider how changes in allocation policy would impact the utilization of kidneys. The Board also directed the committees to consider the development of an expedited allocation pathway. The committees will work on these issue as they continue to develop the continuous distribution of kidneys and pancreata.