Nikolai Klymiuk

Prof. Dr. Nikolai Klymiuk is an Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Translation in Large Animal Models at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Department of Cardiology. He leads the TUM School of Medicine and Health's research on genetically modified large animal models for biomedical applications, focusing on monogenic hereditary diseases and xenotransplantation. His work emphasizes translational potential, advanced intervention techniques, and comprehensive model characterization.

• Education: Biochemistry studies at University of Vienna, followed by research at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
• Director, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics (2018–present).
• Associate Professor at TUM since 2019.

Research highlights include:

• Development of pig models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Usher syndrome.
• Pioneering cardiac xenotransplantation studies achieving 3-month survival in baboons.
• Advances in gene editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) and somatic cell therapy.

Key achievements include the 2017 European Society of Toxicologic Pathology Award and the 2014 Walther Baier Prize. His lab collaborates extensively on preclinical trials for heart, kidney, and lung xenotransplantation.

Current projects focus on optimizing xenograft compatibility, reducing immune rejection, and refining gene therapy delivery in porcine models.