Biotech startup eGenesis recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully transplanting a gene-edited kidney from a pig into a living human patient. This achievement offers hope to the many individuals on organ transplant waiting lists, as well as those with few treatment options. The company’s CEO, Mike Curtis, expressed optimism about the future of the company and its gene-editing technology, which aims to address the shortage of available donor organs.
With over 100,000 people in the United States alone on transplant waiting lists, the use of animal organs, particularly pig organs, has long been considered a potential solution to the organ shortage problem. Pigs, due to their rapid growth and organ size and functionality similarity to humans, are ideal candidates for providing donor organs. The recent kidney transplant from a pig to a human patient was the result of years of research and development efforts by eGenesis, which has raised substantial venture capital to support its innovative work.
The successful pig-to-human kidney transplant represents a significant milestone in the field of transplant medicine. While more data is needed to determine the long-term viability of pig organs in human recipients, the use of gene editing technology has played a crucial role in overcoming the challenge of organ rejection. By genetically modifying the donor pig’s kidney with human genes and removing pig genes, eGenesis has minimized the risk of rejection while still requiring immunosuppressive drugs, as is the case with human organs.
In addition to kidney transplants, eGenesis is also focusing on gene-editing pig livers and hearts for future transplant into humans. The company’s liver transplant program has already seen successful results in a brain-dead patient, offering a promising solution for patients with liver failure. The ultimate goal for eGenesis is to develop organs in pigs that do not require immunosuppression, potentially revolutionizing the transplant process and improving outcomes for patients.
Looking ahead, eGenesis plans to continue its research and development efforts, with the goal of scaling up its operations and bringing gene-edited organs to more patients in need. The company’s co-founder, genetics researcher George Church, envisions a future where enhanced organs resistant to infections and other pathogens could be created through genetic engineering. As the company seeks to raise additional funds to support its ambitious goals, the successful kidney transplant serves as validation of its approach and paves the way for further advancements in the field of organ transplantation.
