Genetically modified pigs offer potential for unlimited organs for human transplants

Revivicor Inc., a biotech company based in Blacksburg, Virginia, is making groundbreaking progress in the field of organ transplants by using cloned farm animals. The company’s research farm in southwest Virginia is leading the charge with genetically modified pigs that could potentially provide kidneys, hearts, livers, and other organs for transplant.

These genetically modified cloned animals are created through a meticulous process that involves editing DNA in pig skin cells, creating cloned pig embryos, and implanting them into adult female pigs. The resulting cloned piglets are born with 10 genetic modifications to ensure that their organs are compatible for transplant.

Revivicor is not alone in this cutting-edge research, as other companies like eGenesis in Cambridge, Mass. are also pursuing similar endeavors. Revivicor’s long-term vision includes establishing commercial farms across the country to breed modified cloned pigs specifically for organ transplants.

While the potential benefits of this research in addressing the organ shortage crisis are evident, there are ethical concerns surrounding the use of farm animals for organ transplants, as well as the risk of animal viruses being transmitted to humans.

Revivicor is actively conducting studies in baboons and decedents to collect data for FDA approval to move forward with human studies for individuals on the organ waiting list. Liver and heart transplant surgeries using genetically edited pig organs have already been successfully carried out at NYU Langone Health and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with survival data from these procedures playing a crucial role in advancing further research and development in this field.