Yesterday, 3/21/2024, a xenotransplantation was reported by Reuters here.
“A 62-year-man with end-stage renal disease has become the first human to receive a new kidney from a genetically modified pig, doctors from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston announced on Thursday.
The four-hour surgery, performed on March 16, “marks a major milestone in the quest to provide more readily available organs to patients,” the hospital said in a statement.
The patient, Richard Slayman of Weymouth, Massachusetts, is recovering well and expected to be discharged soon, the hospital said.”
Let’s delve deeper into this subject. Here’s what Poe had to say about it:
Xenotransplantation refers to the transplantation of organs, tissues, or cells from one species to another, typically from animals to humans. The term “xeno” is derived from the Greek word “xenos,” which means “foreign” or “strange.” In the context of xenotransplantation, it signifies the transfer of biological material across different species.
Here are a few examples of xenotransplantation:
Pig-to-Human Organ Transplants: Pigs are often considered as potential donors for organs such as hearts, kidneys, and livers due to similarities in size and physiological function. Porcine organs can be genetically modified to reduce the risk of rejection in the human recipient.
Islet Cell Transplants: Islet cells, responsible for producing insulin in the pancreas, can be transplanted from pigs to humans as a potential treatment for diabetes. This approach aims to alleviate the need for insulin injections or continuous glucose monitoring.
Xenogeneic Skin Grafts: Temporary or permanent skin grafts from animals like pigs or genetically modified mice can be utilized for treating burn victims or patients with severe skin injuries.
It’s important to note that xenotransplantation is an evolving field with ongoing research and ethical considerations. The potential risks of immune rejection, transmission of zoonotic diseases, and ethical implications surrounding animal welfare and genetic modification are areas of active investigation and discussion.
The “engine” behind this reported Xenotransplantation is a company out of Cambridge, MA named eGenesis. Founded in 2015, it is currently a private company but I speculate it will be taken public in the near future. You can access a link to their web site here: https://egenesisbio.com/
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