US Surgeons Successfully Transplant Genetically Modified Pig Kidney into Brain-Dead Patient
In a groundbreaking experiment, US surgeons have made significant progress in the field of cross-species transplants by successfully transplanting a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead patient. The experiment, which lasted a record-breaking 61 days, offers hope for the future of organ transplants.
The latest procedure, part of ongoing research into advancing cross-species transplants, was carried out by a team of surgeons at the New York University Langone Transplant Institute. The surgery, led by director Robert Montgomery, saw the transplantation of a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead patient. Montgomery, who conducted the world’s first genetically modified pig kidney transplant in September 2021, expressed optimism about the results of the experiment.
“We have learned a great deal throughout these past two months of close observation and analysis, and there is great reason to be hopeful for the future,” said Montgomery. The successful procedure marks the fifth xenotransplant performed by Montgomery, showcasing the advancements in the field.
During the study, tissue collected from the patient indicated a mild rejection process had begun, leading to an intensification of immunosuppression medication. However, the NYU Langone team was able to prevent immediate rejection by “knocking out” the gene responsible for a biomolecule called alpha-gal.
The genetically modified pig used as the donor in this experiment came from a herd cultivated by Virginia-based biotech company Revivicor. The Food and Drug Administration has approved this particular herd as a source of meat for individuals with hypersensitivity to the alpha-gal molecule, which is caused by tick bites. The breeding process for these pigs allows for easy scalability.
Previous xenotransplantation research focused on primates, but current efforts have shifted to pigs due to their organ size, rapid growth, large litters, and the fact that they are already raised as a food source. Pigs are considered ideal donors for humans.
While progress is being made in the field of xenotransplants, there are still ethical concerns. Chinese scientists recently published a paper detailing their success in creating hybrid pig-human kidneys in pig embryos. However, the presence of human cells in the pigs’ brains raised ethical issues and sparked discussions among experts.
The success of this experiment comes at a critical time, as there are over 103,000 people waiting for organ transplants in the United States, with 88,000 in need of kidneys. The advancements made through cross-species transplants offer hope for those on the waiting list and bring us one step closer to resolving organ donation shortages.
(Note: This news article is based on a syndicated feed and has not been edited by NDTV staff.)