Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Successfully Transplanted in Human, Functioning for 32 Days
In groundbreaking news, a team of US surgeons has successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a human body, and it has been functioning for an impressive 32 days. This remarkable milestone comes shortly after another US team reported a similar procedure, where a pig kidney functioned for 7 days in a human body.
Both transplants were performed on male patients who had been declared clinically brain-dead, and the procedures were carried out with the consent of the patients’ families. The key element of these transplants was the use of genetically modified pig kidneys, with specific genetic modifications to increase the chances of success.
Dr. Robert Montgomery, a professor of surgery at New York University Langone Health, performed the transplant on July 14th and announced the success through a news release. He stated that the patient will be continuously monitored until mid-September to ensure long-term success.
One of the crucial genetic modifications made to the pig kidney involved the elimination of a gene responsible for producing a biomolecule called alpha-gal. This molecule is known to trigger hyperacute rejection, an immune response that attacks donated organs. By removing this gene, the chances of rejection were significantly reduced.
Dr. Montgomery further emphasized that this transplant demonstrates that eliminating the specific gene triggering hyperacute rejection, combined with approved immunosuppressive drugs, can effectively manage the new organ in a human for improved performance. The hope is that this advancement may lead to long-term success in organ transplants.
The implications of this success are vast. Organ transplantation is a critical field in medicine, and the shortage of available organs poses a significant challenge. If genetically modified pig organs can be successfully transplanted into humans without the risk of being rejected, it could revolutionize the entire transplantation process and save countless lives.
However, it is important to note that this technology is still in its early stages, and further research and clinical trials are necessary to ensure its safety and long-term effectiveness. Addressing ethical concerns surrounding genetic modifications and ensuring patient well-being will also be crucial in moving forward.
With each successful milestone, the medical community takes another step towards overcoming the obstacles in organ transplantation. The potential of genetically modified pig organs as a viable solution brings hope to patients in need and offers a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
In the coming years, it will be fascinating to witness the progress and discover the true possibilities that genetic modifications hold in the field of organ transplantation. As research advances and techniques improve, the day when the shortage of organs could be alleviated might be closer than we imagine.
