Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have achieved a significant milestone in organ transplantation. They successfully removed a genetically engineered pig kidney from a 67-year-old man, Tim Andrews, after it functioned for almost nine months. This breakthrough, reported by WIRED, marks a step towards addressing the critical shortage of human donor organs.
Andrews, who received the pig kidney due to his rare blood type and extended wait time for a human donor kidney, lived with the organ for a remarkable period before it was removed in late October. This pioneering approach, utilizing genetically edited pig organs, aims to offer a solution to the high demand for kidneys, with nearly 90,000 individuals in the US alone awaiting transplantation.
As the shortage of human donors persists, the medical community is exploring alternative sources such as pig organs. While genetic disparities between pigs and humans traditionally lead to rejection, advancements in gene editing have enabled researchers to enhance compatibility. Andrews’ case, the fourth of its kind globally, showcases the potential of genetically modified pig organs in addressing the organ shortage crisis.
Source: WIRED