In a landmark achievement for the field of xenotransplantation, Chinese scientists have successfully treated a patient with acute-on-chronic liver failure using a novel technique involving a six-gene-edited pig liver. The groundbreaking procedure, performed at Xijing Hospital and Tangdu Hospital affiliated with the Air Force Medical University of PLA, represents the first time this approach has been used to treat liver failure, offering a potential novel pathway for patients awaiting traditional liver transplants. The success, reported by China Science Daily on Wednesday, could dramatically alter the landscape of treatment for end-stage liver disease.
The innovative treatment centers around ex vivo perfusion – a process where a donor organ is kept functioning outside the body – combined with the utilize of a genetically modified pig liver. Researchers connected the liver from the six-gene-edited pig to a normothermic mechanical perfusion device, creating a system where the pig liver could temporarily take over key detoxification, synthetic, and metabolic functions while the patient’s own failing liver remained in place. This differs significantly from conventional liver transplantation, which involves the complete removal and replacement of the diseased organ.
The multidisciplinary effort, involving more than 20 departments within the Air Force Medical University, was led by Dou Kefeng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery at Xijing Hospital. According to reports, the pig liver demonstrated good perfusion and bile secretion throughout the 66-hour treatment period, and the perfusion device functioned normally. Crucially, key liver function indicators – including bilirubin levels, transaminases, and prothrombin activity – showed sustained and significant improvement during the treatment.
Bridging the Gap for Liver Transplant Candidates
Liver failure affects millions worldwide, and the demand for donor organs far exceeds the supply. This scarcity often leaves patients waiting for potentially life-saving transplants, a period that can be fraught with complications and declining health. This new technique offers a potential “bridging therapy” – a temporary solution to support liver function while patients await a suitable donor organ for a full transplant. The ex vivo perfusion method, combined with gene-editing to minimize the risk of rejection, could significantly extend the window of opportunity for these patients.
The use of gene-edited pigs is a critical component of this breakthrough. Researchers have been working to modify pig organs to make them more compatible with the human immune system, reducing the likelihood of rejection. A related study published in Nature in March 2025 detailed successful heterotopic auxiliary transplantation of a six-gene-edited pig liver to a brain-dead recipient, demonstrating the potential for porcine organs to function effectively in a human environment. That study showed promising results in terms of graft function, hemodynamics, and immune response.
How the Procedure Works: A Cross-Circulation System
The treatment involved creating a unique cross-circulation system. The team connected the six-gene-edited pig liver to a normothermic mechanical perfusion device, essentially mimicking the conditions within a living body. This allowed the pig liver to perform essential functions – detoxification, synthesis of proteins, and metabolic processes – while the patient’s own liver continued to operate. This approach, described as an extracorporeal life-support system, avoids the complications associated with complete organ removal and allows the patient’s native liver to potentially recover.
Following the 66-hour treatment period, the medical team determined the therapy was effective and disconnected the support system. The patient is currently reported to be in stable condition, with physiological and biochemical indicators approaching normal levels. While long-term follow-up is necessary, the initial results are highly encouraging.
The Future of Xenotransplantation
Dou Kefeng, the lead researcher, described the preliminary success as “another milestone in xenotransplantation,” according to China Science Daily. The combination of gene-edited organs and extracorporeal life support represents a new paradigm in the application of xenogeneic organs, offering a way to support organ function without removing the patient’s native organ. This approach could potentially be applied to other organ failures as well.
The success of this procedure in China adds to a growing body of research exploring the potential of xenotransplantation. Recent advancements have focused on overcoming the immunological barriers that prevent the human body from accepting organs from other species. While challenges remain, including the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and long-term graft survival, the progress made in gene-editing and perfusion technology is paving the way for a future where organ shortages may become a thing of the past.
Researchers will continue to monitor the patient’s condition and gather data to further refine the technique. The next steps will involve expanding the clinical trials to include a larger cohort of patients and investigating the long-term efficacy and safety of this innovative treatment for liver failure.
This groundbreaking function offers a beacon of hope for individuals suffering from end-stage liver disease and underscores the potential of collaborative, multidisciplinary research to address some of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine. Share your thoughts on this medical breakthrough in the comments below.
