First-Ever Transplant of Pig Liver Into Human Marks Milestone in Organ Science

We’ve reached a new frontier in organ transplantation. In a medical first, scientists announced this week that they successfully kept a genetically modified pig liver functioning inside a human body—at least for a short while. Researchers in China detailed their groundbreaking accomplishment in a study published today in Nature. They transplanted the liver into a brain-dead recipient, where it was able to survive and even perform some basic functions for over a week. The findings are the latest to suggest that animal-to-human transplantation, or xenotransplantation, can someday become a viable option for the many people in need of donated organs. There are over 100,000 Americans currently on the waiting list for an organ, with a new person added every eight minutes. Yet only 48,000 transplants take place annually, creating a significant shortfall. It’s estimated that 17 people die every day waiting on the transplant list. Scientists have been exploring various ways to extend the poo ... Read full article.