There is a shortage of available organs for transplant, which has left patients waiting years just to receive an organ transplant. Scientists have discovered xenotransplantation: a procedure that transforms organs from one species, particularly pigs, to be used in humans. This can revolutionize healthcare and save many lives, but raise ethical concerns and critical questions.

What is Xenotransplantation?:

Xenotransplantation includes the transplantation of cells, tissues, or organs from animals to people. Pigs are the leading donor species due to their organ similarities to humans and breeding speed that makes them great sources.

Breakthroughs:

In the past few years, researchers have successfully genetically modified pig kidneys that function for days in a human body. Additionally, a genetically edited pig heart that was transplanted into a patient allowed them to live another 61 days. These cases seem promising in the use of pig organs for human transplants.

Major Risks:

• Immune Rejection: Since the animal organs do not have the same composition as human organs, they can cause inflammation or clotting issues inside the patients. Additionally, the patient must receive immunosuppression in order to prevent life-threatening problems

• Zoonosis: Animals could infect humans with porcine diseases or animal viruses, which could possibly spread and cause an animal epidemic. Even though gene editing have been used to remove animal viruses, it is impossible to remove them all

Xenotransplantation provides an alternative solution to save lives and solve the organ transplant crisis, but immunologic, ethical, and infectious concerns still exist. Xenotransplantation would require years of intensive clinical trials in order to become an approved medical treatment.