Posted on 01/20/2022 11:18:45 AM PST by Red Badger
UAB announces first clinical-grade transplant of gene-edited pig kidneys into brain-dead human.
The study was designed and conducted to meet standards directly comparable to those that would apply to a Phase I clinical trial and mirrored — as much as possible — every step of a conventional transplant between humans.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine announces today the first peer-reviewed research outlining the successful transplant of genetically modified, clinical-grade pig kidneys into a brain-dead human individual, replacing the recipient’s native kidneys. These positive results demonstrate how xenotransplantation could address the worldwide organ shortage crisis.
VIDEO AT LINK.............
In the study published in the American Journal of Transplantation, UAB researchers tested the first human preclinical model for transplanting genetically modified pig kidneys into humans. The study recipient had two genetically modified pig kidneys transplanted in his abdomen after his native kidneys were removed. The organs were procured from a genetically modified pig at a pathogen-free facility.
“Along with our partners, we have made significant investments in xenotransplantation for almost a decade hoping for the kinds of results published today,” said Selwyn Vickers, M.D., dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and CEO of the UAB Health System and UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance. “Today’s results are a remarkable achievement for humanity and advance xenotransplant into the clinical realm. With this study, our research teams have also demonstrated that the decedent model has significant potential to propel the xenotransplantation field forward.”
For the first time, the pig kidneys transplanted were taken from pigs that had been genetically modified with 10 key gene edits that may make the kidneys suitable for transplant into humans. This process demonstrates the long-term viability of the procedure and how such a transplant might work in the real world. The transplanted kidneys filtered blood, produced urine and, importantly, were not immediately rejected. The kidneys remained viable until the study was ended, 77 hours after transplant.
“This game-changing moment in the history of medicine represents a paradigm shift and a major milestone in the field of xenotransplantation, which is arguably the best solution to the organ shortage crisis,” said Jayme Locke, M.D., director of the Comprehensive Transplant Institute in UAB’s Department of Surgery and lead surgeon for the study. “We have bridged critical knowledge gaps and obtained the safety and feasibility data necessary to begin a clinical trial in living humans with end-stage kidney failure disease.”
Gene editing in pigs to reduce immune rejection has made organ transplants from pigs to humans possible, which could offer help to thousands of people who face organ failure, disease, or injury. The natural lifespan of a pig is 30 years, they are easily bred and can have organs of similar size to humans.
Genetically modified pig kidneys have been extensively tested in non-human primates. In addition to testing in non-human primates, evaluating genetically modified pig kidneys in a human preclinical model research may provide important information about the potential safety and efficacy of kidneys in human transplant recipients, including in clinical trials.
“This human preclinical model is a way to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the pig-to-non-human primate model, without risk to a living human,” Locke added. “Our study demonstrates that major barriers to human xenotransplantation have been surmounted, identifies where new knowledge is needed to optimize xenotransplantation outcomes in humans, and lays the foundation for the establishment of a novel preclinical human model for further study.”
Just wondering when the brain-dead person gave permission for cross-species experimentation.
Thanks for the post.
inti 
Not just for bacon any more. No wonder the price is skyrocketing.
Patient: I'd like to talk about some cosmetic surgery.
Doctor: This week we're running a special on Boston butts.
Sign below to be put on a waiting list for transplants.
Muslims need not apply
Psychiatrist: Lie down here and tell me what brings you to my office today.
Patient: My mouth cancer required a tongue transplant and since then I can't eat barbecue without having cannibalistic urges.
Why was the study ended? Did the Pig Kidneys fail at 77 hours or was there another reason?
It sounds like the recipient was considered to be “brain dead”, and the transplant was purely for experimental reasons. They probably got the answers they hoped for, and then allowed the “patient” to pass.
I think because they were parting him out.
[[Just wondering when the brain-dead person gave permission for cross-species experimentation.]]
i think they just meant he was a liberal
We’re in Frankenstein territory now.
When you check that “organ donor” box you kind of give them a blank check.
😂
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