Medical Breakthrough: Transplant of Genetically-Edited Pig Kidney

SOURCE www.massgeneral.org
Massachusetts General Hospital announces successful transplant of a genetically-edited pig kidney into a 62-year-old man with end-stage kidney disease, marking a major milestone in providing more readily available organs to patients.

Key Points

  • First successful transplant of a genetically-edited pig kidney into a human
  • Pig donor was genetically-edited to remove harmful genes and add human genes
  • Collaboration between Massachusetts General Hospital and eGenesis using CRISPR-Cas9 technology
  • Significant milestone in xenotransplantation as a potential solution to organ shortage

Pros

  • Provides a potential solution to the worldwide organ shortage
  • Opens up new possibilities in xenotransplantation
  • Demonstrates the potential of genome engineering to change lives

Cons

  • Potential long-term compatibility and rejection issues
  • Ethical concerns regarding genetically editing animals for organ transplantation