A groundbreaking achievement in the field of xenotransplantation has brought hope for addressing the chronic human organ shortage. Researchers from the US biotech company eGenesis and Harvard Medical School have successfully transplanted genetically engineered pig kidneys into monkeys, resulting in extended survival times. This significant milestone could pave the way for more effective organ transplants and save lives.
Extended Survival Times
The monkey recipients of the gene-edited pig kidneys survived for a median of six months, with at least two out of 15 monkeys living for more than two years after the transplant. This represents a significant advancement, as previous xenografts typically survived for three months or less in non-human primates.
Researchers used the gene-editing tool Crispr to modify the genes of Yucatan miniature pigs before transplanting their kidneys into macaques. This genetic modification contributed to the success of the xenotransplants.
Xenotransplantation, or the transplantation of animal organs into humans, holds promise as a solution to the critical shortage of human organ donations. The ability to extend the survival of xenografts in monkeys is a “proof of principle” that demonstrates the viability and safety of this approach.
Focus on Pigs as Donors
Pigs are considered ideal donors for humans due to their organ size, rapid growth, large litters, and their existing role as a food source. Efforts in xenotransplantation have primarily concentrated on using pigs as organ donors.
In recent years, two humans have received pig heart transplants, marking significant medical advancements. While the first recipient passed away two months after the surgery, the second patient received a transplant of a genetically modified pig heart, offering hope for future human xenotransplants.
The United States faces a critical shortage of organs for transplantation, with over 103,000 people waiting for organ transplants, including 88,000 individuals in need of kidneys.
The success of this study in extending the survival of xenografts in monkeys provides optimism for the future of xenotransplantation and its potential to address the growing demand for life-saving organ transplants.
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