In an incredible leap for medical science and organ transplantation, doctors have successfully transplanted a genetically engineered pig liver into a living human for the very first time. This historic procedure could change the future of liver transplants, organ shortages, and xenotransplantation (animal-to-human organ transplants) forever.The patient, a 71-year-old man with liver cancer that couldn’t be treated through normal surgery, received the modified pig liver as an auxiliary organ — meaning it worked alongside his own liver.The findings of the study has been published in Journal of Hepatology.
What exactly happened?
Scientists used cutting-edge gene-editing technology to modify 10 genes in the pig liver. These edits helped the organ work better inside a human body — reducing immune rejection, improving blood clotting, and supporting metabolism.The transplanted pig liver began functioning right away. It produced bile, processed toxins, and even created important blood-clotting proteins, showing that it was truly working like a human liver. For over a month, the patient’s condition remained stable, with no major infection or organ failure.
The challenges and the setback
By day 38, complications appeared. The patient developed xenotransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (xTMA) — a rare immune response causing small blood clots in vessels. Doctors treated him with eculizumab and plasma exchange, successfully stabilizing him for a time.Unfortunately, after several months, internal bleeding led to his death on day 171 post-surgery. Even though he didn’t survive long-term, this case still marks a historic medical first and offers valuable insight for future xenotransplants.
Why this breakthrough matters
This is the first time ever that a genetically engineered pig liver has been successfully transplanted into a living human, not just a brain-dead donor. It’s a big deal because it shows pig organs can:
- Survive and function inside a human body
- Support vital metabolic processes like bile secretion and blood protein production
- Potentially serve as bridge therapy for people waiting for human liver transplants
For thousands of patients worldwide who die waiting for organ donations, this breakthrough could one day save countless lives.
