Scientists will soon test whether livers from a gene-edited pig could treat people with sudden liver failure – by temporarily filtering their blood so their own organ can rest and maybe heal.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pioneering clinical trial, as announced by pig producer eGenesis along with their partner OrganOx on Tuesday.
It’s the latest step in attempts To employ genetically edited pig organs to preserve human lives.
Approximately one out of every 25 global fatalities can be attributed to liver ailments. Annually, over 66,000 individuals succumb to this condition within the United States, whereas around 86,000 persons lost their lives due to cirrhosis and various persistent liver disorders throughout the European Union in 2021.
There are limited treatment options available for individuals experiencing acute liver failure – a condition that is relatively rare and usually develops in those without prior liver ailments. Consequently, mortality rates can be as high as 50 percent.
A lot of patients aren't eligible for a liver transplant or cannot find a compatible donor in time.
The upcoming research project, anticipated to commence this coming spring, introduces an innovative approach towards the pursuit of cross-species organ transplantation from animals to humans. Instead of implanting the pig’s liver internally, scientists plan to connect it externally to the patients participating in the study.
The liver stands as the sole organ capable of regeneration; however, the query remains if utilizing the pig's liver to filter the patient's blood over multiple days might provide it with an opportunity to do so.
During tests involving four cadavers, the "bridge" approach demonstrated that the pig liver was capable of supporting certain functions of a human liver for two to three days, according to Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis—a company that genetically alters pigs to make their organs more compatible with humans.
Up to 20 patients from intensive care units who aren't eligible for a liver transplant will be included in the trial, he mentioned.
A gadget created by Britain’s OrganOx, which is presently employed for conserving donated human livers, will circulate the participants' blood through the pig liver.